Colombia threatens naval blockade to halt coal exports to Israel

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced plans to deploy the country's navy to block shipments of coal destined for Israel.

The move follows reports that Colombian coal exports to Israel have continued despite a ban imposed nearly a year ago.

Petro stated that he is prepared to unilaterally revise Colombia’s contract with the multinational commodities giant Glencore, which plays a key role in coal exports.

“Today, another ship carrying coal was sent to Israel. This is a challenge to my government,” the president said in a video shared on X, adding that the Navy would receive a formal order to intercept vessels en route to Israel, per Caliber.Az.

Como Comandante en Jefe de las Fuerzas Armadas, el Presidente @PetroGustavo ordenó: "No sale una tonelada de carbón para Israel, y asumo la responsabilidad", el mandatario aseguró que Colombia no será cómplice de un genocidio. pic.twitter.com/RoHjvGqr24

— Presidencia Colombia 🇨🇴 (@infopresidencia) July 25, 2025

In response to the situation, Petro has also called an emergency meeting with representatives of Colombia’s coal mining unions.

The Colombian president previously accused members of his own administration of betrayal over the continued coal shipments. He has demanded accountability from the leadership of Glencore and Drummond, both active in Colombia’s mining sector. According to Petro, these two companies provide around 60% of Israel’s coal imports.

Tensions between Colombia and Israel have sharply escalated since May 2024,  when Bogotá officially cut diplomatic ties with Tel Aviv, accusing the Israeli government of committing war crimes in Gaza.

By Tamilla Hasanova