**Colombia Recognizes Israeli Sovereignty Over Golan Heights**
Colombia has officially recognized Israel's claim of sovereignty over the Golan Heights, becoming only the second country to do so after the United States. This announcement was made by the Colombian Foreign Ministry on August 11, 2026, shortly after the inauguration of President Abelardo de la Espriella, who has been characterized as a far-right leader.
In a statement published on social media platform X, the Colombian government expressed its recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, emphasizing Israel's right to defend itself against external threats. The statement noted that maintaining control over this territory is seen as a crucial aspect of Israel's national defense.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed gratitude to President de la Espriella for this "historic" recognition. He revealed that the decision was discussed during a meeting in Barranquilla, Colombia, just a day before the president's inauguration.
The Golan Heights, a strategically significant plateau, was captured by Israel from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War. Israel formally annexed the territory in 1981, a move that has not been widely accepted by the international community. The United Nations continues to recognize the Golan Heights as part of Syria, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated this stance last month, labeling the Israeli occupation as "totally unacceptable."
Historically, Syria has attempted to reclaim the Golan Heights, notably during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. However, these efforts were unsuccessful, and a ceasefire agreement was established in 1974, leading to a period of relative calm in the region.
Colombia's recognition of Israel's claim comes amid increased Israeli military activity in Syria, particularly following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's government in December 2024. Reports indicate that Israel has expanded its military presence, moving troops into a UN-monitored buffer zone and seizing strategic territories, including areas of Jabal al-Sheikh (Mount Hermon), which overlooks Damascus.
President de la Espriella's administration has signaled a shift in Colombia's foreign policy, particularly in relation to Israel and the United States. During his campaign, he pledged to strengthen ties with both nations as part of a strategy to combat domestic armed groups. This marks a departure from the policies of his predecessor, Gustavo Petro, who had criticized Israel's actions in Gaza, severed diplomatic relations, and halted arms imports from Israel.
In addition to recognizing Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights, de la Espriella has reversed Petro's plans to establish an embassy in Ramallah, located in the occupied West Bank. This move underscores the new administration's commitment to aligning more closely with Israel and the United States.
As Colombia navigates its foreign policy under President de la Espriella, the recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights is likely to have implications for the country's diplomatic relations and its stance on Middle Eastern issues moving forward.