Colombia inaugurates embassy in Jerusalem for Israel

Colombia officially opened its embassy in occupied Jerusalem on Wednesday, according to Daily Times, Arutz Sheva - Israel National News, and Jerusalem Post. The move, attended by Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs Omar Bula Escobar, follows a period of restored ties and trade between the two nations after a two-year diplomatic rupture.

Jerusalem Post reports that President Abelardo de la Espriella reversed a break with Israel established by his predecessor, Gustavo Petro, who had terminated diplomatic relations in May 2024.

The opening has drawn international criticism. Daily Times reports that the Palestinian Authority has strongly criticized the decision, noting that most countries maintain their Israeli embassies in Tel Aviv while waiting for a final settlement regarding Jerusalem's status. Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the decision, describing it as a violation of international law that infringes on the legal and historical status of the city, according to Saudi Gazette and Ajel English.

Jerusalem Post reports that Colombia is the 10th country to open an embassy in Jerusalem. The outlet notes that President de la Espriella reinstated a free trade agreement on Tuesday that had previously been terminated by Petro. Following the embassy opening, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar thanked de la Espriella for his determination to improve relations.

Brief written by urgent.news from Daily Times, Arutz Sheva - Israel National News, Saudi Gazette, Ajel English, Jerusalem Post — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.