Full Breakdown
Colombia’s New Government Reverses Petro’s Break with Israel and Withdraws from ICJ Case
7/21/2026, 8:02:50 AM
Core Development
President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella announced that Colombia will withdraw its declaration of intervention in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The move follows a Washington meeting on July 20 between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Colombia’s incoming foreign minister Omar Bula Escobar. Both sides agreed to restore full diplomatic and economic relations immediately after De la Espriella’s inauguration on August 7, 2024, including a reciprocal exchange of ambassadors, the removal of visa requirements, and the opening of a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem.
Background & Context
In April 2024, under left-wing President Gustavo Petro, Colombia filed an intervention supporting South Africa’s ICJ filing that accuses Israel of violating the Genocide Convention during the Gaza war. Petro’s administration severed historic Colombia-Israel ties in May 2024, recalled Israel’s ambassador in June, and halted Israeli arms and coal imports. The outgoing government also signaled intent to open a diplomatic mission in Ramallah, a plan that never materialized.
Key Figures & Groups
- Abelardo de la Espriella – President-elect, right-leaning, backed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
- Omar Bula Escobar – Incoming Colombian foreign minister, architect of the diplomatic reset.
- Gideon Sa’ar – Israeli foreign minister, pledged ministry support for rapid implementation.
- Gustavo Petro – Outgoing Colombian president, whose policies the new administration vows to reverse.
- South Africa – Plaintiff in the ICJ case alleging Israeli genocide.
Timeline
- April 2024 – Colombia submits intervention in South Africa’s ICJ case.
- May 2024 – Petro severs diplomatic relations with Israel.
- June 2024 – Israeli ambassador recalled; Colombian ambassador departs Israel.
- July 20 2024 – Sa’ar and Bula Escobar meet in Washington; roadmap for restoration agreed.
- August 7 2024 – De la Espriella’s inauguration; planned exchange of ambassadors and embassy opening.
Why It Matters
Re-establishing ties restores a long-standing security partnership that Colombia has relied on for counter-narcotics and military cooperation. The withdrawal from the ICJ intervention signals a shift in Colombia’s stance within United Nations forums, potentially influencing other Latin American nations’ positions on the Israel-Gaza conflict. The planned embassy in Jerusalem aligns Colombia with a minority of countries recognizing the city as Israel’s capital, a move likely to draw diplomatic attention from the broader international community.
Official Statements & Responses
- The president-elect’s office stated that Colombia will “return to a responsible position on the international stage, including in UN bodies.”
- Sa’ar pledged “full assistance” from his ministry to implement the embassy move “immediately.”
- The Colombian foreign ministry announced the “mutual removal of visa requirements” and the “prompt appointment of new ambassadors.”
Criticism & Opposition
Former President Petro labeled De la Espriella an “accomplice to genocide” on X, adding, “Anyone who supports genocide is complicit in it.” Petro’s administration had previously framed Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocidal and criticized the withdrawal as abandoning the pursuit of accountability.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Colombia will also return to a responsible position on the international stage, including in UN bodies,” — President-elect’s office
- “The historic relationship that the Petro government unilaterally severed will be strengthened once again,” — President-elect’s office
- “Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar declared: “Relations between Israel and Latin America are becoming increasingly close and stable.” — Gideon Sa’ar
- “Anyone who supports genocide is complicit in it,” — Gustavo Petro, X post
What’s Next
Colombia’s inauguration on August 7 will trigger the exchange of ambassadors and the formal opening of its embassy in Jerusalem. Both ministries indicated that visa waivers will take effect shortly thereafter, and Israel is preparing to appoint a new ambassador to Bogotá within weeks.
