Colombia inaugurates new embassy in Jerusalem in reversal from previous break with Israel

Colombia inaugurated its new embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, marking a significant shift from its previous break with Israel. President Abelardo de la Espriella reversed his predecessor's actions by restoring the free trade agreement between the two nations. This move comes after Colombia's former president, Gustavo Petro, broke diplomatic relations with Israel in May 2024 due to its actions in Gaza and criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Petro's decision to close Colombia's embassy in Tel Aviv and recall its ambassador led Israel to label the move as antisemitic and a reward for Hamas terrorists. De la Espriella assumed presidency in August, and on Tuesday, the restored free trade agreement was announced. Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed gratitude to de la Espriella for his efforts to improve Israel-Colombia relations, stating that they have reversed many of the negative consequences of the Petro administration.

Colombian Foreign Affairs Minister Omar Bula Escobar attended the embassy's opening ceremony in Jerusalem. Several countries have since relocated their embassies to Jerusalem, following the United States' move in 2018, including Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay, and Somaliland.