Story perspectives

Colombia to Open Jerusalem Embassy, Restore Ties, Drop Visas

7/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Colombia will open an embassy in Jerusalem, becoming the ninth country to locate its mission there.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Colombia’s incoming Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar agreed in Washington to restore ties, exchange ambassadors and drop visas.
Israel will name a new ambassador to Bogotá by July 20.
Colombia will appoint its envoy after the August 7 inauguration and will seek to boost tourism and business through visa-free travel.

History

Historical Context

After the United States broke decades of diplomatic precedent by recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital on Dec 6 2017 and opening its embassy on May 14 2018—fulfilling the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act—Guatemala and Honduras followed suit. Now Colombia, meeting Israeli FM Gideon Sa’ar in Washington, will open its ninth Jerusalem embassy, signaling a broader Latin American shift.

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Story summary

Colombia will open an embassy in Jerusalem, becoming the ninth country to locate its mission there.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Colombia’s incoming Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar agreed in Washington to restore ties, exchange ambassadors and drop visas.
Israel will name a new ambassador to Bogotá by July 20.
Colombia will appoint its envoy after the August 7 inauguration and will seek to boost tourism and business through visa-free travel.

1 / 2