Story perspectives

Colombia Recognizes Israeli Sovereignty Over Golan Heights

8/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Colombia announced on August 10 2026 that it recognizes Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, second member state to do so after the United States.
President Abelardo de la Espriella, inaugurated on August 7 2026, said the move restores the alliance with Israel and pledged to move the embassy to Jerusalem.
The Arab League and Arab states condemned the decision as a UN-resolution violation and Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Colombia and pledged aid.

History

Historical Context

Israel seized the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War and applied Israeli law in 1981, prompting UN Security Council Resolution 497 to label the move null. The United States broke the UN consensus by recognizing Israeli sovereignty in March 2019, and Colombia followed on 10 August 2026, drawing condemnation from Syria, the Arab League and the UN.

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Story summary

Colombia announced on August 10 2026 that it recognizes Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, second member state to do so after the United States.
President Abelardo de la Espriella, inaugurated on August 7 2026, said the move restores the alliance with Israel and pledged to move the embassy to Jerusalem.
The Arab League and Arab states condemned the decision as a UN-resolution violation and Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Colombia and pledged aid.

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