Overview
- The Colombian government formally recognised Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, a step it presented as necessary for Israeli security and stability.
- The government, which announced the recognition on Monday, August 10, also agreed with Israel to restore full diplomatic relations, exchange ambassadors, move Colombia's embassy to Jerusalem, lift mutual visa requirements, and deepen trade and security cooperation.
- Under international law most states and the United Nations consider the Golan to be occupied Syrian territory and UN Security Council Resolution 497 (1981) declared Israel's annexation null and void, so Colombia's declaration does not change the territory's legal status.
- Syria, the League of Arab States, the GCC and multiple Arab governments condemned the decision as legally void and called on Bogotá to retract it while Israel's government publicly welcomed the move.
- The recognition marks a swift reversal of Colombia's policy under outgoing president Gustavo Petro and could affect Bogotá's role in international forums, including plans to withdraw from South Africa's ICJ-related effort and to realign with other pro‑Israel governments in Latin America.