Colombia Opens Jerusalem Embassy, Restores Israel Ties

Colombia opened its embassy in Jerusalem, becoming the 10th country to establish an embassy there and reversing the diplomatic rupture under former president Gustavo Petro, who severed ties with Israel over the Gaza war. President Abelardo de la Espriella’s government framed the move as part of a broader effort to rebuild relations, and the countries also restored their free trade agreement. Israeli and Colombian officials hailed the embassy as a sign of renewed partnership and closer cooperation. The move is diplomatically significant because most countries keep their Israeli embassies in Tel Aviv, arguing Jerusalem’s status should be settled through Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.