Colombia Withdraws Its Intervention in South Africa’s Case Against Israel Before the ICJ

In December 2023, South Africa initiated a case against Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for alleged genocide violations during military operations in Gaza. Four months later, Colombia's government, under President Gustavo Petro, formalized Colombia's participation in the case. However, in a move by the new government of President Abelardo de la Espriella, Colombia announced its withdrawal from the intervention in South Africa's case against Israel before the ICJ.

While Colombia was neither the applicant nor a principal party to the litigation, Petro's decision was presented as a way to support the Palestinian cause in the international judicial arena. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar expressed gratitude to Colombian President De la Espriella for the withdrawal, stating that it marked a new chapter in the relationship between the two nations.

Following his conversation with Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula in Washington, Sa'ar praised the friendship between Israel and Colombia as stronger than ever. The Israeli Foreign Ministry reported that the bilateral discussions aimed to restore ties, eliminate visas, recover Colombian coal exports, and withdraw from the ICJ intervention.

Despite Colombia's withdrawal, the process initiated by South Africa before the ICJ continues. The new administration of President De la Espriella has also aligned with the US-led axis, distancing itself from several measures taken by the Petro government.