Israeli technology could halt Colombia's drug traffickers as relations improve between the nations

Colombia's incoming president, Abelardo de la Espriella, plans to reverse Gustavo Petro's Israel policy, restoring diplomatic and economic ties, exchanging ambassadors, lifting visa requirements, and moving the embassy to Jerusalem. He also intends to withdraw Colombia's intervention in South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the ICJ. Security cooperation, including Israeli technology for counter-narcotics, is expected to expand. The move has drawn criticism from the OIC and Petro, who called it a grave offense to Muslim countries.

Colombia's incoming president, Abelardo de la Espriella, is set to reverse nearly every major element of Gustavo Petro's Israel policy after taking office on August 7. His government plans to restore full diplomatic and economic relations with Israel, exchange ambassadors, lift visa requirements, pursue a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem, and withdraw Colombia's intervention in South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. Security cooperation is expected to be a key area, with de la Espriella seeking access to new weapons, drones, and AI from Israel and the US. Alberto Spektorowski of Tel Aviv University said Israeli technology could help Colombia combat narcotics trafficking and organized crime. The reset follows a mid-July meeting in Washington between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Colombia's incoming foreign minister, Omar Bula Escobar. Petro broke relations in May 2024 and imposed a coal export ban. The OIC condemned the Jerusalem move, warning of harm to relations with its 57 member states. Israel has appointed veteran diplomat Vivian Aisen as ambassador to Colombia. Marcos Peckel of the Confederation of Jewish Communities of Colombia expects the restoration to be announced around the inauguration. The embassy move remains a political commitment, with no location or date disclosed. De la Espriella also plans to halt the opening of a Colombian mission in Palestine and close 14 embassies and 15 consulates. The incoming administration will adopt a more neutral stance at the UN. Spektorowski sees the first phase as a diplomatic reversal, with a possible strategic alliance later.