De la Espriella Removes Five Colombian Ambassadors and Restores Ties With Israel

President De la Espriella has swiftly moved to overhaul Colombia's foreign relations, dissolving five ambassadorships established under the previous administration and restoring diplomatic ties with Israel. The swift actions come just a week after De la Espriella took office on August 7th, 2026, signaling a dramatic shift in the country's diplomatic landscape.

On August 14th, 2026, the Presidency press office announced that the government had deemed five ambassadors "insubsistent" for failing to submit their resignations during the transition period. The removed envoys include Guillermo Francisco Reyes from Sweden, Vilma Rocio Velasquez from Haiti, Yennifer Edilma Parra from Turkey, Juan Manuel Corzo from Paraguay, and William Sidney Bush Howard from Trinidad and Tobago.

The term "insubsistent" is a legal designation in Colombia, allowing the government to declare an appointment void when the post is one of free appointment and removal. All five had been posted abroad under former president Gustavo Petro. In a striking turn, Colombia is now poised to resume full diplomatic relations with Israel, reversing a controversial decision by Petro in 2024.

The new administration has agreed to exchange ambassadors immediately, scrap visa requirements, and even aim to open a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem. This decision also includes dropping Colombia's support for ongoing genocide claims against Israel. The pivot towards Israel aligns with De la Espriella's promises during his campaign, advocating for a robust security stance and stronger ties with the United States.

The new government's foreign policy appears to be a complete reversal from Petro's previous approach, characterized by a more left-leaning stance and active participation in peace talks with various armed groups in Colombia. As the removal decrees progress, the government aims to ensure a smooth handover of diplomatic missions, although the appointment of Colombia's own ambassador to Israel remains pending.

While the immediate focus is on filling the vacancies in the five nations, the broader task ahead involves establishing the Jerusalem mission and naming the Colombian ambassador, an endeavor that will take time and diplomatic effort.