Colombia’s president-elect, Abelardo de la Espriella, is preparing to open a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem, according to a statement from his office. The announcement comes as he seeks to restore and strengthen ties with Israel. De la Espriella won the presidential runoff last month by less than a percentage point and is scheduled to take office on 7 August. His campaign included promises to tighten the government’s approach to Colombia’s armed groups, including by pursuing closer security cooperation with the United States and Israel.
Both reports note that Colombia’s prior relationship with Israel changed in 2024, when leftist President Gustavo Petro severed diplomatic ties with Israel. The move was linked to Israel’s war in Gaza. De la Espriella’s incoming administration now signals a reversal of that decision by moving ahead with the embassy opening in Jerusalem, described by his office as the capital of Israel.
The sources do not provide additional details on timing beyond the planned embassy move or on how the decision will affect other aspects of Colombia’s foreign policy.
