Key facts
- Colombia opened its embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday.
- Colombia restored a free trade agreement with Israel.
- President Abelardo de la Espriella reversed his predecessor's break with Israel.
- Former President Gustavo Petro had broken diplomatic relations with Israel in May 2024.
- Israel regards Jerusalem as its capital.
Colombia opened its embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, becoming the tenth country to do so, as new President Abelardo de la Espriella reversed his predecessor's break with Israel by also restoring a free trade agreement between the two countries. Most countries maintain their embassies to Israel in Tel Aviv. Israel regards Jerusalem as its capital, while Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as the capital of a future independent state. The city's status remains one of the most contentious issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Former Colombian President Gustavo Petro had broken diplomatic relations with Israel in May 2024 over its actions in Gaza and had heavily criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Petro had closed Colombia's embassy in Tel Aviv and recalled its ambassador, a move Israel described as antisemitic and a reward for Hamas militants.