Colombia restores trade deal with Israel

Colombia opened its embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday and restored a free trade agreement with Israel, reversing former President Gustavo Petro’s decision to sever diplomatic ties over Israel’s war in Gaza.

The move marks a major shift in Colombia’s foreign policy under right-wing President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office in August and has moved to rebuild relations with Israel.

The free trade agreement, which was terminated under Petro, was reinstated on Tuesday. Colombia’s Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar attended the embassy opening in Jerusalem.

Most countries maintain their embassies to Israel in Tel Aviv, while Israel considers Jerusalem its capital. Palestinians, however, seek East Jerusalem as the capital of a future independent state, making the city’s status one of the most contentious issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Petro severed diplomatic relations with Israel in May 2024 over its military actions in Gaza. He also closed Colombia’s embassy in Tel Aviv and recalled its ambassador, repeatedly criticising Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel condemned the decision at the time, describing it as antisemitic and arguing that it rewarded Hamas militants.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar welcomed the renewed ties, saying the two countries had reversed most of the damage to bilateral relations under the previous administration and made progress towards closer cooperation.

“I thank ... Abelardo de la Espriella for his determination to bring Israel-Colombia relations to an all-time high,” Saar said.

Colombia’s embassy move follows similar decisions by several countries since the United States relocated its embassy to Jerusalem in 2018. Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay and Somaliland are among those that have moved their diplomatic missions to the city.

- MaT