Colombia Recognizes Israeli Sovereignty Claim Over Golan Heights

Colombia has become only the second country in the world to formally recognize Israel’s claim of sovereignty over the Golan Heights, following a major foreign-policy shift by the country’s newly inaugurated President Abelardo de la Espriella.

Colombia’s Foreign Ministry announced the decision on Monday, saying it recognizes Israeli sovereignty over the territory and Israel’s right to defend itself against external threats. The government also described Israeli control of the Golan Heights as an important part of Israel’s national defense.

The announcement came only days after de la Espriella took office. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar welcomed the decision and described it as historic, saying the two governments had agreed on the move shortly before the Colombian president’s inauguration.

Israel captured most of the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War and formally annexed the territory in 1981. The annexation has been rejected by most of the international community, while the United Nations continues to regard the Golan Heights as Syrian territory under Israeli occupation.

The United States became the first country to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights in 2019 during Donald Trump’s first presidency. Colombia’s decision now makes it the only other country to formally take the same position.

The move represents a significant change in Colombia’s foreign policy and comes as de la Espriella’s government seeks closer relations with Israel and the United States. His administration has pledged to strengthen cooperation with both countries on security and other strategic issues.

The decision is likely to draw criticism from Syria and countries that continue to reject Israel’s claim over the territory. The status of the Golan Heights remains one of the most sensitive territorial disputes in the Middle East.