Full Breakdown
Israel and Colombia Set to Fully Restore Diplomatic and Economic Ties, Including a New Embassy in Jerusalem
7/16/2026, 10:58:36 PM
Core Development
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Colombia’s incoming Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar reached an agreement in Washington, D.C., to re-establish full diplomatic and economic relations after the two-year freeze imposed by former President Gustavo Petro. The deal calls for the immediate exchange of ambassadors, the abolition of mutual tourist-visa requirements, and the opening of a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem—making Colombia the ninth country to locate its embassy in the contested capital.
Background & Context
In May 2024, President Petro severed diplomatic ties with Israel over the Gaza war, recalling Colombia’s ambassador to Tel Aviv and expelling Israeli diplomatic staff. Israel responded by recalling its ambassador to Bogotá in June 2024. The rupture halted a long-standing partnership that had included defense sales, agricultural cooperation, and joint security projects. A June telephone conversation between Sa’ar and President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella signaled a willingness to reverse Petro’s policies, culminating in the Washington meeting in early July 2024.
Key Figures & Groups
- Gideon Sa’ar – Israeli Foreign Minister, lead negotiator for Israel.
- Omar Bula Escobar – Colombia’s incoming Foreign Minister, designated by President-elect de la Espriella.
- Abelardo de la Espriella – President-elect of Colombia, slated for inauguration on August 7, 2024; campaign pledged a “strategic alliance” with Israel and the opening of an embassy in Jerusalem.
- Gustavo Petro – Outgoing left-wing president whose 2024 foreign-policy shift halted ties.
- MASHAV – Israel’s international development cooperation agency, slated for expanded assistance to Colombia.
Timeline
- May 2024 – Petro announces severance of diplomatic relations with Israel.
- June 2024 – Israel recalls its ambassador; Colombia’s ambassador to Israel departs.
- June 2024 – Sa’ar holds a phone call with de la Espriella.
- Early July 2024 – Sa’ar and Bula Escobar meet in Washington, agree on restoration roadmap.
- August 7 2024 – De la Espriella’s inauguration; ambassadors to be appointed; embassy in Jerusalem to open.
Data & Statistics
- Prior to the 2025 visa restrictions, Colombian citizens enjoyed 90-day visa-free tourism in Israel.
- Israel imposed a mandatory B-2 tourist visa on Colombians effective May 14, 2025, with reciprocal Israeli visas introduced in July 2025. The new agreement will immediately eliminate these requirements.
Why It Matters
The restoration signals a broader right-wing realignment in Latin America, aligning Colombia more closely with the United States and Israel. Re-instating defense cooperation could revive sales of Israeli equipment such as Galil rifles and fighter jets, while expanded MASHAV programs may deepen agricultural and technological ties. The Jerusalem embassy underscores Colombia’s willingness to endorse Israel’s claim to the city, a move likely to influence other regional capitals.
Official Statements & Responses
Israel’s Foreign Ministry announced that a “detailed roadmap” will guide the “full and immediate restoration of diplomatic and economic relations” after the August 7 inauguration. Sa’ar pledged Israeli support to facilitate the embassy move and to re-appoint ambassadors promptly. De la Espriella’s campaign platform emphasized “renewing a strategic alliance with the State of Israel” and “defending the Judeo-Christian principles that form the foundation of Western civilization.”
Criticism & Opposition
Petro’s administration accused Israel of “genocide” in Gaza and labeled the diplomatic freeze a moral stance. Left-wing groups, which secured nearly half the vote in the June election, have warned of massive protests against the embassy plan and the reversal of Petro’s policies. Analysts expressed doubt about de la Espriella’s capacity to fulfill his ambitious security and foreign-policy agenda.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the spelling of the president-elect’s surname, citing both de la Espriella and de la Esperanza. Additionally, while the agreement promises immediate visa abolition, the exact implementation timeline for the embassy’s relocation to Jerusalem remains unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am pleased to have met with Omar Bula, Colombia’s incoming Minister of Foreign Affairs, in Washington,” — Gideon Sa’ar, Israeli Foreign Minister
- “We outlined a detailed roadmap for the full and immediate restoration of diplomatic and economic relations ... immediately following the inauguration of President Abelardo de la Espriella on August 7.” — Gideon Sa’ar
- “Colombia will restore and strengthen its relationship with the State of Israel like never before.” — Abelardo de la Espriella, President-elect of Colombia
- “Bula told Sa’ar that Colombia’s incoming government intends to open an embassy in Jerusalem.” — Omar Bula Escobar, Incoming Colombian Foreign Minister
- “Additionally, the ministers agreed to mutually abolish the visa requirement between the two countries.” — Gideon Sa’ar
