Colombia, Israel look to expand cooperation as Sa'ar meets Colombian VP, senior officials

Israel and Colombia are restoring ties as Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar met with Colombian Vice President José Manuel Restrepo and other senior officials ahead of President Abelardo de la Espriella's inauguration. The meeting focused on expanding cooperation, with Restrepo citing reinstated free trade, strengthened diplomatic relations, and the embassy move to Jerusalem. Ties had been severed by former President Petro in 2024 over genocide accusations.

Israel and Colombia are restoring diplomatic ties ahead of the inauguration of Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella on Friday, August 7, 2026. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar traveled to Colombia for the ceremony and met with Vice President José Manuel Restrepo, Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar, and other senior ministers from the new government, including defense, finance, justice, trade, and environment. The discussions focused on practical opportunities to deepen cooperation across various fields, aiming to translate the renewed relationship into concrete partnerships. Ties had been severed by former President Gustavo Petro in 2024, who accused Israel of genocide during its military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, linked Israel to Nazi tactics, restricted defense partnerships, and banned coal exports to Israel. Sa'ar thanked his hosts, saying, "Not only will we rebuild our ties, but we will take them to new heights." Restrepo affirmed Colombia's commitment, noting the reinstatement of the free trade agreement, strengthened diplomatic relations, and the decision to move the embassy to Jerusalem, stating that 2026 will be marked by deepening ties with Israel.