De la Espriella pledges to restore Colombia’s relations with Israel
Summary
Colombia’s President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella has promised to rebuild the country’s relationship with Israel after ties were cut under outgoing President Gustavo Petro. Petro had criticized Israel strongly during the Gaza war, including accusing it of genocide, leading to a break in diplomatic relations and trade agreements between the two countries.Key Facts
- Abelardo de la Espriella won Colombia’s presidential election on June 21, 2024.
- De la Espriella plans to restore and strengthen relations with Israel.
- He received a congratulatory call from Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.
- Gustavo Petro, Colombia’s current president, criticized Israel for actions in Gaza and accused it of genocide.
- Petro called Israel’s policies “criminal” and compared some Israeli officials’ language to Nazi rhetoric.
- Israel stopped security exports to Colombia and condemned Petro’s statements as anti-Semitic.
- Colombia withdrew its ambassador, cut diplomatic ties with Israel in May 2024, expelled Israeli diplomats in October 2025, and ended a free trade deal.
- Israel was a main supplier of security equipment to Colombia during its internal armed conflict.
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