Story perspectives

Abelardo de la Espriella Wins Tight Runoff, Promises Jerusalem Embassy

6/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Abelardo de la Espriella won the runoff 49.66% against Iván Cepeda’s 48.70%, president-elect.
De la Espriella pledged to open an embassy in Jerusalem to restore Colombia-Israel ties, end peace talks, build ten mega-prisons, cut taxes, shrink state 40% and raise oil output to 1.3 million barrels.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar congratulated de la Espriella, while President Gustavo Petro and Cepeda sought recount of 30,000 stations.

History

Historical Context

The United States recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital on Dec 6 2017 and opened its embassy there on May 14 2018, prompting Guatemala and Paraguay to shift their missions and leading 31 nations to rethink Middle-East postings. Following that precedent, Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella announced plans to move Colombia’s embassy to Jerusalem, a step that could reshape bilateral trade and regional diplomacy.

1 of 2

Story summary

Abelardo de la Espriella won the runoff 49.66% against Iván Cepeda’s 48.70%, president-elect.
De la Espriella pledged to open an embassy in Jerusalem to restore Colombia-Israel ties, end peace talks, build ten mega-prisons, cut taxes, shrink state 40% and raise oil output to 1.3 million barrels.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar congratulated de la Espriella, while President Gustavo Petro and Cepeda sought recount of 30,000 stations.

1 / 2