Colombia recognises Israeli claim over the Golan Heights

Bogota, Colombia's new government, led by hard-right president Abelardo de la Espriella, has acknowledged Israel's claim over the Golan Heights, a territory captured from Syria in 1967. This move makes Colombia the second country to recognize Israel's annexation, after the United States. The recognition came as Colombia faced a devastating earthquake that killed at least 111 people and injured dozens more.

In a statement, Colombia's foreign ministry emphasized that maintaining Israel's control over the Golan Heights is crucial for the nation's defense. Meanwhile, Israel's foreign minister, Gideon Saar, expressed gratitude to De la Espriella for her support, stating that defensible borders are vital to safeguarding the Jewish people's existence in their historical homeland.

This development comes after Colombia severed diplomatic relations with Israel under leftist President Gustavo Petro, who criticized Israel's actions in Gaza and halted arms imports.