Turn in The Hague: South American state withdraws from involvement in proceedings against Israel

Colombia has officially withdrawn its declaration of intervention in the proceedings brought by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. The move, approved by the court, marks a policy shift under new President Eduardo de la Espriella, who is working to restore relations with Israel after they were severed under the previous government of Gustavo Petro.

Colombia has formally withdrawn from its involvement in the proceedings brought by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. The court confirmed that Bogotá notified on September 18 of the withdrawal of its declaration of intervention, which had been submitted in April 2024 during the administration of former President Gustavo Petro. The Colombian Foreign Ministry stated that the decision was made under the constitutional authority of President Eduardo de la Espriella to manage foreign relations. The move marks a sharp policy shift: de la Espriella, who took office in August, is working to restore relations with Israel, has renewed full diplomatic ties, reinstated mutual visa exemptions for tourists, and even recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar welcomed the move. However, the withdrawal does not end the proceedings initiated by Pretoria against Israel, and the case continues at The Hague.