Colombia recognises Israel’s claim over Golan Heights

Colombia has become the second country after the United States to recognise Israel’s claim of sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, days after far-right President Abelardo de la Espriella took office.

Colombia’s Foreign Ministry announced the decision on Monday, saying it recognised Israeli sovereignty over the territory and Israel’s right to defend itself against external threats.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar welcomed the move, saying the agreement was reached with de la Espriella shortly before his inauguration.

Israel captured most of the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed the territory in 1981, a move rejected by the United Nations and most countries. The United States recognised Israel’s claim in 2019 during President Donald Trump’s first term.

The UN continues to regard the Golan Heights as Syrian territory. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated last month that the Israeli occupation of the area was “totally unacceptable.”

Colombia’s recognition comes as Israel expands its military presence in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024. Israeli forces have moved into a UN-monitored buffer zone and seized strategic areas, including the Syrian side of Mount Hermon.

De la Espriella has pledged closer ties with the United States and Israel. His predecessor, Gustavo Petro, severed diplomatic relations with Israel and halted Israeli arms imports over its war in Gaza.

source: Al Jazeera 

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