Key facts
- Colombia recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, citing national defense.
- Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey condemned Colombia's move as a violation of international law.
- Israel and Venezuela restored diplomatic relations after a 17-year break.
- Qatar condemned Colombia's recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, calling it an obstacle to peace.
- The United States is the only other country to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
Colombia's government, under President Abelardo de la Espriella, has officially recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, a move that has drawn condemnation from Syria, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar. The decision cites the territory's strategic importance for Israel's national defense amid regional instability. Qatar's Foreign Ministry stated that any unilateral decisions recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights would constitute a major obstacle to achieving peace in the region. The United States is the only other nation to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. In a separate development, Israel and Venezuela announced the restoration of their diplomatic relations after a 17-year break, agreeing to establish a coordination mechanism for consular services. Venezuela had severed ties in 2009 under President Hugo Chavez.