What You Need to Know
• Colombia has recognized Israel’s claim over the Golan Heights, becoming the second country to do so.
• The announcement came from Colombia’s Foreign Ministry shortly after President Abelardo de la Espriella took office.
• Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria in 1967 and annexed the territory in 1981, a move largely unrecognized internationally.
Colombia has officially recognized Israel’s claim of sovereignty over the Golan Heights, following the announcement from the Colombian Foreign Ministry on August 11, 2026. This recognition makes Colombia the second country, after the United States, to acknowledge Israel’s annexation of the territory, which was declared in 1981. President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office just days prior, stated that Colombia recognizes Israel’s right to protect itself and maintain control over the Golan Heights as essential to its national defense. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed gratitude for this “historic” recognition, which was agreed upon in Barranquilla before de la Espriella’s inauguration.
Why It Matters
This recognition is significant as it aligns Colombia with the United States in supporting Israel’s claims over the Golan Heights, a territory captured during the 1967 Six-Day War. The United Nations continues to regard the Golan Heights as part of Syria, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently reiterating this stance. Israel’s military presence in the region has increased following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, further complicating the geopolitical landscape. Colombia’s decision reflects a shift in its foreign policy under President de la Espriella, who has promised closer ties with the U.S. and Israel.
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