Colombia recognises Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights

What Happened

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella announced on Monday that his government recognises Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, a Syrian territory seized by Israel in the 1967 war. An official statement said the recognition includes Israel’s right to protect itself against external threats and that Israel’s control over the area is ‘an essential component of its national defence’. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar welcomed the move as ‘historic’. The Golan Heights had previously been recognised as part of Israel only by the United States. De la Espriella, inaugurated last week, campaigned on reversing the policies of his predecessor Gustavo Petro, who was an outspoken supporter of the Palestinian cause, condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, and co-founded the Hague Group to pursue international legal accountability for Israel.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

Colombia becomes only the second country (after the US) to formally recognise Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, a move that challenges the prevailing international consensus that the territory is occupied Syrian land. This signals a broader diplomatic realignment in Latin America, where recent elections in Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina have brought pro-Israel leaders to power, potentially reshaping voting blocs at the UN and regional approaches to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It also marks a sharp break from the Petro administration’s role in the Hague Group and could weaken multilateral legal initiatives aimed at holding Israel accountable.

Watch For

Monitor whether other Latin American or Global South countries follow Colombia’s lead on Golan recognition. Watch for reactions from Syria, the Arab League, and other Muslim-majority states, including possible diplomatic or economic retaliation against Bogotá. Inside Colombia, observe whether de la Espriella restores full diplomatic ties and coal exports to Israel, and whether domestic opposition mounts over the reversal of Petro’s foreign policy. Also track any statement or action from the Hague Group regarding Colombia’s departure from its founding principles.