Full Breakdown
Israel Sends 80-Member Rescue Team to Earthquake-Stricken Colombia
8/15/2026, 3:34:03 AM
Immediate Response
On August 13, 2026, an Israeli delegation of 80 personnel landed in Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city, to support rescue operations after the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia on August 10, 2026. The team, composed of members of the Israel Defense Forces, the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was designated the “Alliance of Friends.” Brigadier-General (Res.) Yossi Pinto, commander of the National Search and Rescue Unit, led the mission, which began field work within hours of arrival.
Diplomatic Context
The aid request came from Colombia’s newly inaugurated president, Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office four days before the quake. De la Espriella’s administration, seeking to renew ties with Israel, announced plans to move the Colombian embassy to Jerusalem and to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar attended the inauguration and subsequently dispatched a Foreign Ministry team to coordinate the rescue effort.
Scale of the Disaster
The earthquake was the strongest seismic event in Colombia this century. Colombian authorities reported 285 deaths, roughly 4,000 injuries and about 400 people missing nearly four days after the shock. Other outlets noted “more than 200 deaths” and “thousands of injuries,” reflecting slight variations in early reporting. The tremor destroyed over 1,000 homes, collapsed dozens of buildings—including part of a major hospital in Cali—and temporarily halted operations at several regional airports.
Official Statements
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the mission on the Wednesday preceding the delegation’s departure, citing de la Espriella’s request. Home Front Command Major-General Shai Klapper said the expedition’s primary goal is to provide immediate life-saving assistance through rapid mapping of destruction sites. The Israeli Foreign Ministry emphasized coordination with Colombian authorities to maximize the effectiveness of the rescue effort.
Next Steps
The Israeli team will continue search-and-rescue activities, focusing on locating missing persons, assessing structural damage and delivering medical aid. No additional scheduled deployments have been announced, and the delegation’s operations are expected to proceed for the coming days as Colombian officials evaluate ongoing needs.
