Colombia opens embassy in Jerusalem, restores trade with Israel
Saudi Arabia condemned the move, while Bogotá-Tel Aviv ties were restored after being cut in 2024.
Colombia formally opened its embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, making it one of the few countries to place a diplomatic mission in the city. President Abelardo De La Espriella took the step after reversing the policy of Gustavo Petro, who broke diplomatic relations with Israel in 2024 over the war in Gaza. A day earlier, the free trade agreement suspended by Petro was also restored. Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula called Israel a strategic partner, while Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar welcomed the opening of the embassy. Saudi Arabia condemned the decision as a violation of international law, and Palestinian Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh said the move ignored the legal and historical status of Jerusalem.