On Monday, Colombia officially acknowledged Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, marking a significant development in international relations for both nations. The announcement came from the Colombian Foreign Ministry via a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Colombia’s Recognition of Israeli Sovereignty
The Colombian Foreign Ministry expressed that this recognition is seen as crucial for Israel’s national defense and its capacity to protect its citizens. This acknowledgment follows a recent commitment made between the governments of Israel and Colombia. The official statement confirms that Colombia is only the second UN member state to officially recognize Israel’s right to the territory, which was captured from Syria during the Six-Day War in 1967 and was effectively annexed by Israel in 1981. Prior to Colombia, the United States had recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights in 2019 under then-President Donald Trump.
Response from Israeli Officials
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar praised Colombian President Álvaro de la Espriella for this decision and extended gratitude to Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bola Escobar for their cooperation. Sa’ar pointed out the strategic significance of the Golan Heights for Israel, emphasizing that defensible borders are critical for the survival of the Jewish people in their ancestral homeland. He conveyed his hope that more countries will follow Colombia’s example, thereby reinforcing Israel’s claims over the Golan Heights.
Sa’ar also commended the recognition as indicative of the new Colombian leadership’s values and commitment to Israel, especially after his recent visit to South America. Ori Kallner, Head of the Golan Regional Council, echoed this sentiment, calling the recognition by Colombia a “just” decision from diplomatic, moral, and strategic perspectives. He expressed intent to further promote the Golan Heights on the international stage.
Enhancing Bilateral Relations
This recognition is part of Colombia’s broader effort to strengthen its ties with Israel. In July, the Colombian government announced the renewal of full diplomatic relations with Israel, alongside the relocation of its embassy to Jerusalem and the appointment of ambassadors. Moreover, Colombia recently withdrew from an International Court of Justice lawsuit initiated by South Africa against Israel, which accused Israel of genocide during the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
The strengthening of ties with Colombia aligns with Sa’ar’s wider initiative to enhance relations with South American nations, as the Israeli Foreign Ministry has designated 2026 as the “Year of Latin America.” This strategic focus emphasizes Israel’s commitment to expanding its diplomatic footprint in the region.
In summary, Colombia’s acknowledgment of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights represents a pivotal moment in international diplomacy, revealing the growing alignment between Colombia and Israel. As both nations continue to deepen their ties, Israel’s position in the Golan Heights may gain further legitimacy on the global stage.