Colombia inaugurates a new embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, joining a small group of countries that have moved diplomatic missions to the city. The ceremony includes Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Colombia’s foreign minister, Omar Bula Escobar. Saar describes the move as “breaking new ground,” saying it helps reverse much of the damage to Israel–Colombia relations from Colombia’s prior stance.

The decision follows a July announcement by Colombia’s new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, who takes a more pro-Israeli position than his predecessor. Multiple outlets note that former president Gustavo Petro had broken diplomatic relations with Israel in May 2024, citing Israel’s actions in Gaza and heavily criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

One outlet also links the embassy move to other policy shifts, reporting that Colombia restores a free trade agreement with Israel as part of a broader rapprochement. Across coverage, the context includes the disputed status of Jerusalem in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, where Israel treats Jerusalem as its capital while Palestinians seek East Jerusalem for a future state.