Colombia Opens Embassy in Jerusalem, Shifting Stance on Contested City

Colombia has officially inaugurated its embassy to Israel in Jerusalem, a significant move that aligns it with a select group of nations recognizing Israel’s claim to sovereignty over the disputed city. The inauguration, attended by Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on October 14, was met with swift condemnation from Palestinian officials. This development occurs as Israel faces increasing international scrutiny regarding its military actions in Gaza, where recent events have led to a high number of casualties.

This decision marks a notable policy reversal for the administration of new Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, contrasting sharply with the stance of his predecessor, Gustavo Petro. Petro had previously severed ties with Israel in 2024 due to the conflict in Gaza. President de la Espriella, who assumed office in August, has also reinstated a free trade agreement between Colombia and Israel, which had been terminated by Petro.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Omar Bula Escobar emphasized the historical importance of bilateral relations, stating that ties between the two countries "should ⁠never have been broken." He described the embassy opening as a "concrete step towards ⁠restoring diplomatic relations," highlighting Israel as a "strategic partner" whose relationship with Colombia will be strengthened moving forward.

With this opening, Colombia becomes the tenth country to establish its embassy in Jerusalem, a departure from the norm where most nations maintain their diplomatic missions in Tel Aviv. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar lauded the move, calling it an "important date for the State of Israel" and "the city of Jerusalem." Colombian Ambassador Tania Gilinski echoed these sentiments, affirming Israel's status as a strategic partner that will be engaged with "even greater determination and strength."

The Palestinian Authority denounced Colombia's action as a "violation of international legitimacy resolutions" that undermines the global consensus on Jerusalem's legal status. Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also criticized the move, labeling it a "violation of international law and relevant international resolutions."

The relocation of the US embassy to Jerusalem by President Donald Trump in 2018 set a precedent, though it drew widespread international criticism. Most countries, including previous US administrations, have avoided establishing embassies in Jerusalem, advocating for the city's final status to be determined through Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. The status of Jerusalem remains a central, unresolved issue in the conflict, with Israel asserting its claim to the entire city as its capital, while Palestinians envision occupied East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state. Israel annexed East Jerusalem in 1967, a move not recognized by most of the international community. Since the US embassy move, only a few smaller nations, such as Fiji, Guatemala, Honduras, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, and Nauru, along with Kosovo and Somaliland (non-UN member states), have followed suit by opening embassies in Jerusalem.