Colombia’s political shift prompts Israel to move on ambassador nomination

Israel’s Foreign Ministry is preparing to select a new ambassador to Colombia, according to a report by Ynet.

The move follows the election of pro-Israel right-wing politician Abelardo de la Espriella as Colombia’s next president. De la Espriella has advocated strengthening military and strategic ties with both the United States and Israel.

Outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro severed diplomatic relations with Israel in May 2024 in protest over the actions of the Israeli military in the Gaza Strip.

Petro compared Israel’s actions to crimes committed by the Nazis and joined South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

Petro is scheduled to complete his presidential term in August 2026.

By Jeyhun Aghazada