Colombia’s far-right government recognises Israeli claim over Golan Heights | Occupied Golan Heights News
Colombia Recognizes Israeli Sovereignty Over Golan Heights
Published: Aug. 11, 2026
Colombia has officially recognized Israel’s claim of sovereignty over the Golan Heights, becoming only the second country to do so. This announcement comes shortly after the inauguration of President Abelardo de la Espriella, a leader with a far-right agenda.
On Monday, Colombia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement affirming its recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the territory, which has been a focal point of conflict since Israel’s capture during the 1967 Six-Day War. The U.S. is the only other nation to have formally recognized Israel’s annexation, which was declared in 1981.
The statement published on X, formerly known as Twitter, declared, “The Government of Colombia recognizes Israeli sovereignty over this territory, as well as that State’s right to protect itself against external threats.” It further emphasized the importance of Israel’s control over the Golan Heights for its national defense.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed gratitude to de la Espriella for this “historic” recognition, noting that the two had discussed the matter in Barranquilla just prior to the president’s inauguration.
The Golan Heights, recognized by the United Nations as part of Syria, has been a contentious region, with most of the international community rejecting Israel’s annexation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated this stance last month, deeming the Israeli occupation as “totally unacceptable.”
Syria attempted to regain the territory in the 1973 Arab-Israeli War but was unsuccessful. An armistice was established in 1974, and the area has remained relatively stable since then.
Colombia’s move to recognize Israeli sovereignty occurs amid Israel’s increasing military operations in Syria, particularly following the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024. Israeli forces have extended their presence into a UN-monitored buffer zone and secured strategic locations, including parts of Jabal al-Sheikh (Mount Hermon), which overlooks Damascus.
De la Espriella campaigned on promises of strengthening ties with the United States and Israel to address internal security challenges posed by armed groups. His administration seeks to reverse the policies of his predecessor, Gustavo Petro, who criticized Israeli actions during the Gaza conflict, severed diplomatic relations, and stopped Israeli arms imports. Additionally, de la Espriella has canceled plans to open a Colombian embassy in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank.
