Israel announced that Colombia will establish an embassy in Jerusalem, marking the latest addition to a select group of nations conducting their diplomatic relations with Israel through the disputed city. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that the embassy inauguration would take place the following Wednesday, noting the development as part of expanding regional ties. Officials from Colombia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar would travel to Jerusalem on Sunday to prepare for the opening.
The shift in Colombian policy reflects recent political changes in the country. President Abelardo De la Espriella, who assumed office in August, made strengthening relations with Israel a campaign priority. Upon taking office, he moved to restore diplomatic ties that had been severed by the previous administration over Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Colombia joins a growing but still limited roster of nations that have opted to locate their Israeli embassies in Jerusalem rather than the traditional diplomatic hub of Tel Aviv. Since 2018, nine countries and entities—including the United States, Guatemala, Paraguay, Kosovo, Honduras, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Nauru, and Somaliland—have opened embassies in the city. Most countries maintaining relations with Israel continue to base their embassies in Tel Aviv, as the international community does not recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Saar indicated that additional countries may follow suit, mentioning that the Democratic Republic of the Congo would open its embassy in Jerusalem imminently. He also suggested that Brazil might make a similar move depending on electoral outcomes. The Israeli official characterized the diplomatic positioning as part of a broader strategic effort, stating that establishing embassies in Jerusalem represents an affirmation of Israel’s historical claims to the city.
The announcement prompted demonstrations in Bogota, where protesters opposed Colombia’s new government policies toward Israel. Demonstrators argued that restoring ties and opening the Jerusalem embassy represented a reversal of the previous administration’s stance on Palestinian issues.
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