Colombia recognises Israeli claim over the Golan Heights

The Colombian government, under its new hard-right leadership, has acknowledged Israel's claim over the Golan Heights, a territory captured from Syria in 1967. This marks the first time the United States is not the sole country to recognize Israel's annexation of the region in 1981. President Abelardo de la Espriella, who assumed office on Friday, pledged strong ties with the US and Israel to combat domestic armed groups.

His foreign ministry announced the recognition on the same day a devastating earthquake struck western Colombia, claiming at least 111 lives. The Colombian foreign ministry stated that Colombia recognizes Israeli sovereignty over the territory and its right to protect itself against external threats. Colombia also emphasized that maintaining Israel's control over the Golan Heights is crucial for its national defense.

The United Nations, however, maintains that the plateau is Syrian territory under Israeli military occupation. Israel's foreign minister, Gideon Saar, thanked Colombian President De la Espriella for the recognition, which they had agreed upon in Barranquilla, a city in Colombia, just a day before her inauguration. Saar posted on X, stating, "Defensible borders are essential to guarantee the continued existence of the Jewish people in our historic homeland."

In a recent statement, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated that the Golan Heights belonged to Syria, describing Israeli occupation as "totally unacceptable." De la Espriella's predecessor, leftist President Gustavo Petro, had criticized Israel's offensive in Gaza, severing diplomatic relations and halting Israeli arms imports.

The US-backed De la Espriella has since promised to restore ties and open a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem, a move Israel regards as its capital, including the occupied Palestinian part.