Israel sends 80-person rescue delegation to earthquake-hit Colombia

The delegation, headed by the commander of the Home Front Command's National Rescue and Rescue Unit, Brig.-General (res.) Yossi Pinto, includes both regular duty soldiers and reservists.

jpost.com ·53m ago

An 80-person Israeli rescue delegation, known as the Alliance of Friends, departed Thursday night for earthquake-ravaged Colombia, according to the Home Front Command. The team, comprising representatives from the IDF, the Ministry of Defense, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will immediately commence rescue and aid operations upon arrival.

Maj.-Gen. Shai Klapper stated that the primary objective is to deliver immediate life-saving assistance by mapping destruction sites. The delegation, led by Brig.-General (res.) Yossi Pinto, consists of both regular soldiers and reservists. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the mission on Wednesday night, following Colombia's President Abelardo de la Espriella's request.

De la Espriella, who took office four days prior to the quake, replaced anti-Israel leader Gustavo Petro. De la Espriella's administration is expected to bolster relations by moving the Colombian embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing the Golan Heights as Israeli territory. Despite the positive diplomatic developments, Israel has a history of sending rescue teams to nations after disasters, irrespective of diplomatic ties.

This was evident after Israel dispatched a delegation to Venezuela following its twin earthquakes in June, despite the two countries having severed ties since 2009.

Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.