Colombia’s De La Espriella Recognizes Israeli Sovereignty Over Occupied Golan Heights

Colombia has become only the second country to recognise Israel’s claim of sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, just days after far-right President Abelardo de la Espriella took power. Colombia’s Foreign Ministry made the announcement on Monday, joining the United States as the only other country to recognise Israel’s annexation of the territory in 1981. Recommended Stories list of 3 items- list 1 of 3‘Badge of honour’: Israeli settlers shrug off global condemnation - list 2 of 3With Israel unleashed, there can be no peace in the Middle East - list 3 of 3President Ahmed al-Sharaa: Syria seeking security deal with Israel “The Government of Colombia recognises Israeli sovereignty over this territory, as well as that State’s right to protect itself against external threats,” read a statement published on X. “Colombia recognises that maintaining Israel’s control and sovereignty over the Golan Heights is an essential component of its national defence,” it added. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar thanked his “good friend” de la Espriella for the “historic” recognition. He said the pair had agreed on the move in the Colombian city of Barranquilla a day before de la Espriella’s inauguration. Israel captured most of the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War, before illegally annexing the territory in 1981. The move was rejected by most of the international community, although the US formally recognised Israel’s claim in 2019 during President Donald Trump’s first term in office. The United Nations recognises the region as a part of Syria, and last month, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated that stance, describing Israeli occupation as “totally unacceptable”. Syria tried to regain the Golan in the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, but was thwarted. Israel and Syria signed an armistice in 1974, and the Golan has been relatively quiet since. Colombia’s recognition of the Israeli claim comes as Israel expands its military footprint in Syria following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024. Israel has moved troops into a UN-monitored buffer zone and seized strategic territories, including the Syrian side of Jabal al-Sheikh (Mount Hermon), which overlooks the capital, Damascus. De La Espriella, the new Colombian president, ran a bombastic campaign during which he promised close relations with the US and Israel as a way to combat armed groups in his country. The US-backed millionaire has promised to restore Bogota’s ties with Israel after his predecessor, Gustavo Petro, criticised Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, severed diplomatic relations and halted Israeli arms imports. De La Espriella has also cancelled Petro’s plans to open an embassy in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.

Colombia has announced that it recognizes Israeli sovereignty over the Syrian Golan Heights, in a move welcomed by Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman. With this decision, Colombia becomes the second country after the United States to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which Israel has occupied since 1967. The Colombian Foreign Ministry, in a statement posted on X, said that the Colombian government recognizes Israeli sovereignty over these lands and Israel’s right to defend itself against external threats, attributing the decision to what it described as the ”ongoing regional instability in the Middle East and the strategic importance of the plateau for Israel’s security.” Israeli Foreign Minister Gadeon (Gad) Saar welcomed the decision, writing on X that he is grateful to Colombian President Iván Duque (note: the text says Abb Lardo de La Espa) and noting that the move followed a meeting between them in the Colombian city of Barranquilla a day before the latter’s inauguration. Saar added that Israel is a small country with no strategic depth, so having defensible borders is essential for its survival, and he emphasized that he will continue to urge other countries to emulate the United States and Colombia. These developments come after Duque assumed office, succeeding former President Gustavo Petro, who had cut diplomatic ties with Israel and halted Israeli weapons imports in response to Israel’s war on Gaza. Duque had pledged during his campaign to restore relations with Israel and move his country’s embassy to Jerusalem. Israel has occupied most of the Golan Heights since the 1967 war and announced its annexation in 1981, a move rejected by the United Nations and deemed null and void by UN Security Council Resolution 497, while all other countries—except the United States and Colombia—have treated the Golan as Syrian territory under military occupation.

(ANSA) - ROME, AUG 10 - The Colombian president, Abelardo de la Espriella, aligned with Donald Trump, has acknowledged Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights, a Syrian plateau occupied since 1967, with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations interrupted by his predecessor, Gustavo Petro. “Given the persistent regional instability in the Middle East and the strategic importance of the Golan Heights for Israel’s security, the Colombian government recognizes Israeli sovereignty over this territory, as well as Israel’s right to defend itself from external threats,” wrote the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement published on social media. The announcement came shortly after the earthquake that struck the country, triggering an outcry on social media, where many users accused Bogotá’s government of ignoring the suffering of Colombians. “I suppose that amid a national emergency like the earthquake, the most important and urgent thing is to announce this so that their masters don’t get angry,” was one of the many comments on X. (ANSA). Read the full story at Ansa Latina. “Given the persistent regional instability in the Middle East and the strategic importance of the Golan Heights for Israel’s security, the Colombian government recognizes Israeli sovereignty over this territory, as well as Israel’s right to protect itself from external threats,” wrote the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement published on social media. The announcement came shortly after the earthquake that struck the country, triggering an outcry on social media, where many users accused Bogotá’s government of ignoring the suffering of Colombians. “I suppose that amid a national emergency like the earthquake, the most important and urgent thing is to announce this so that their masters don’t get angry,” was one of the many comments on X. (ANSA). Read the full story at Ansa Latina

Bogotá (EFE). The Government of Colombia this Monday acknowledged Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights, a strategic territory in the Middle East located in Syria and occupied by the Jewish state since 1967, announced by the Foreign Ministry of the new president, Abelardo de la Espriella. “Given the persistent regional instability in the Middle East and considering the strategic importance of the Golan Heights for Israel's security, the Government of Colombia recognizes Israeli sovereignty over this territory, as well as that state's right to defend itself against external threats,” the Foreign Ministry stated in a press release. The Colombian government assured that for decades Israel has faced security challenges of a persistent and existential nature along its borders. “Colombia recognizes that maintaining control and sovereignty of Israel over the Golan Heights is an essential component of its national defense and its capacity to protect and safeguard its citizens,” the information detailed. The Foreign Ministry noted that threats against Israel have “significantly intensified in recent years,” and recalled Hamas’s terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023, which left at least 1,200 dead and about 4,000 injured. Resumption of diplomatic relations with Israel This decision is part of the De la Espriella administration's rapprochement with Israel, which took office just three days ago and includes the resumption of diplomatic relations broken in May 2024 by then-President Gustavo Petro in response to Israel’s offensive in Gaza. As part of this new relationship, Colombia also announced that it will move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, considered the capital by the Jewish state. At De la Espriella’s inauguration on August 7 in Cali (southwest), an Israeli delegation led by its foreign minister, Gideon Sa’ar, attended. The Golan Heights plateau, rich in water, is a strategic area in Syria occupied by Israel. The terrain dominates the Galilee region and the Sea of Tiberias in the Israeli-controlled part, and the road to Damascus in the Syrian side. On June 9, 1976, in the midst of the Six-Day War, Israel captured the territory after violent fighting with the Syrian army.

Gift this articleShare to FacebookPrint article Article printing is available to subscribers only Print in a simple, ad-free format Subscribe Comments: SaveZen Reading Zen reading is available to subscribers only Ad-free and in a comfortable reading format Subscribe !יהונתן ליס Jonathan Lis 07:44 PM • August 10 2026 IDT Colombia's new government declared on Monday that it recognizes Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights, describing Israel's control of the plateau as "an essential component of its national defense and its ability to protect and safeguard its citizens." Loading... Click the alert icon to follow topics: FollowWorld Politics FollowGolan Heights Comments Your Perspective Belongs Here Want to reply? Subscribe to join the conversation SUBSCRIBE Already signed up? Log in Loading... In the News In the News: Live UpdatesLebanonWest BankNetanyahuSephora Election PollsHaQuizHaaretz Podcast ICYMI [](https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/security-aviation/2026-08-05/ty-article-magazine/israel-captured-230-square-miles-of-lebanon-razed-villages-and-built-new-bases/0000019f-cc0c-db9d-a9ff-fdbcb2660000) Trending Now Trending Now Trending Now Trending Now Trending Now ICYMI [](https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/security-aviation/2026-08-05/ty-article-magazine/israel-captured-230-square-miles-of-lebanon-razed-villages-and-built-new-bases/0000019f-cc0c-db9d-a9ff-fdbcb2660000)

Colombia recognizes Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights The decision follows a series of diplomatic overtures between Bogota and Jerusalem tied to the presidential transition Colombia's Foreign Ministry has officially announced its recognition of Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Monday's announcement follows Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar's meeting with Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella in Barranquilla last Thursday, ahead of de la Espriella's inauguration. In its announcement, the Colombian government said that "given the ongoing regional instability in the Middle East, and considering the strategic importance of the Golan Heights to Israel's security," it recognizes Israel's sovereignty over the territory and its right to defend itself against external threats. Colombia further stated that Israel has faced "ongoing and existential security challenges along all of its borders" for decades, threats it said intensified following the October 7 attack. It said maintaining Israeli control over the Golan Heights is "an essential component" of Israel's national security. Sa'ar thanked Colombia and de la Espriella for the "historic decision," crediting their meeting last Thursday. He also thanked Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula for what he called their friendship and professional cooperation. "Israel is a small country without strategic depth. Defensible borders are essential for it to ensure the existence of the Jewish people in its historic homeland," Sa'ar said, adding he would keep working to bring more countries in line with the United States and Colombia in recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the territory, first annexed under Israeli law 45 years ago. Suggested articles The recognition follows a broader set of agreements reached between Sa'ar and Colombia's president, vice president and foreign minister, including the full renewal of diplomatic relations, the immediate appointment of ambassadors, the relocation of Colombia's embassy to Jerusalem, the elimination of visa requirements, a return to a free trade agreement, and Colombia's withdrawal from South Africa's ICJ case against Israel and from the "Hague Group." Sa'ar also spoke separately with Bula to express solidarity with Colombia following Monday's earthquake, offering Israeli assistance. The rapprochement is part of a wider push by Sa'ar to strengthen Israel's ties across Latin America, with the foreign ministry designating 2026 the "Year of Latin America."

Colombia recognizes Israeli claim over the Golan Heights BOGOTA — Colombia’s newly appointed hard-right government on Monday recognized Israel’s claim over the Golan Heights, which it captured from Syria in 1967. The United States was until now the only country to recognize Israel’s annexation of the territory in 1981. Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella took power on Friday, following a bombastic campaign during which he promised tight relations with the US and Israel as a way to combat armed groups in his own country. READ: Europe at UN says Golan is not Israeli territory His foreign ministry announced recognition of Israel’s claim on the same day that a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia, killing at least 111 people and injuring dozens more. “The Government of Colombia recognizes Israeli sovereignty over this territory, as well as that State’s right to protect itself against external threats,” read a statement published on X. “Colombia recognizes that maintaining Israel’s control and sovereignty over the Golan Heights is an essential component of its national defense,” it added. The United Nations maintains that the plateau is Syrian territory under Israeli military occupation. READ: Filipino troops pull ‘greatest escape’ in Golan Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar thanked his “good friend” De la Espriella for the recognition. The pair had agreed on the move in the Colombian city of Barranquilla, he said, one day before De la Espriella’s inauguration. “Defensible borders are essential to guarantee the continued existence of the Jewish people in our historic homeland,” Saar, who attended the swearing-in, posted on X. Last month, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres reiterated that the Golan Heights were part of Syria, describing Israeli occupation as “totally unacceptable.” De la Espriella’s leftist predecessor Gustavo Petro had ardently criticized Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip, severing diplomatic relations and halting Israeli arms imports into Colombia. The US-backed millionaire now in office has promised to restore ties. Last month, he said he planned to open a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem — which Israel regards as its capital, including the occupied Palestinian part. This is not recognized internationally, however, and most countries conduct their diplomatic missions from Tel Aviv. /dl

Colombia has recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, the country’s Foreign Ministry announced Monday. In a statement released on X/Twitter, the ministry stated that it recognizes Israeli control over the area as “an essential component of its national defense and its ability to protect and safeguard its citizens,"The Jerusalem Postreported. RECOMMENDED STORIESUS, Israel solely to blame for Hormuz insecurity, Iran FM saysRussian strike on Ukriane's Zaporizhzhia kills at least 5, injures 20Blanche takes office as US attorney general after contentious confirmationRussia bans anti-war party from taking part in parliamentary election The recognition resulted from a commitment made by both Israel andColombiaon Saturday, the ministry said. In its declaration, Bogota became only the second UN member state to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the territory captured from Syria in 1967 and effectively annexed by Israel in 1981, after the United States recognized Israeli sovereignty in 2019 during US President Donald Trump’s first term in office. News.Az Record-low Rhine River raises alarm for Europe’s industry and shipping Yellow heat warning issued across Belgium ahead of 35C temperatures German nurse convicted in 10 patient deaths faces 121 further allegations Air Canada restores flights following Typhoon Dolphin in southern China Hegseth calls $1.5 trillion military package a final tribute to Lindsey Graham Blanche takes office as US attorney general after contentious confirmation Latest News US, Israel solely to blame for Hormuz insecurity, Iran FM says Iran’s Leader makes new appointments to top military posts, Vahidi named IRGC commander Two Palestinians detained as Israeli forces continue raids across West Bank Why Netanyahu rejected the Gaza plan Turkish parliament approves landmark terror-free Türkiye law Russian strike on Ukriane's Zaporizhzhia kills at least 5, injures 20 Record-low Rhine River raises alarm for Europe’s industry and shipping Yellow heat warning issued across Belgium ahead of 35C temperatures German nurse convicted in 10 patient deaths faces 121 further allegations Air Canada restores flights following Typhoon Dolphin in southern China Archive

Text 1 translation: Written by: Mustafa Alshaer Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Follow us on The Arab Republic of Egypt expressed its deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the Republic of Colombia, government and people, for the victims of the earthquake that struck the country, resulting in deaths, injuries, and material losses. Egypt, in a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday evening, affirmed its full solidarity with the Republic of Colombia in facing the earthquake's consequences, and its support for the Colombian people during this difficult time. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed Egypt's sincere condolences to the families of the victims and their relatives, wishing a speedy recovery for all who were injured. Earlier on Monday, Colombia endured moments of fear and collapse after being struck by a powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 magnitude—the strongest to hit the country in ten years—whose scenes revealed the extent of the destruction and the panic that seized residents. To check the current weather, click here To check current exchange rates, click here Follow the latest news from Masrawy on Google News

Creating new perspectives since 2009 August 10, 2026 at 8:01 pm Military activity continues along the Israel–Syria border following Israeli airstrikes targeting the Presidential Palace, General Staff Headquarters, and Ministry of Defense in Damascus, on July 17, 2025. [Mostafa Alkharouf – Anadolu Agency] Colombia on Monday officially recognised Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, a strategic Syrian territory that has been under Israeli military occupation since 1967, Anadolu reports. “The Government of Colombia recognises Israeli sovereignty over this territory, as well as the right of that state to protect itself against external threats,” the Colombian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The ministry claimed that maintaining control over the plateau is an “essential component” of Israel’s national defence, particularly following the escalation of regional security challenges. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed gratitude to Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella and Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar for the shift in policy, labelling the move a “historic decision.” The diplomatic move comes as Israel has expanded its military footprint in Syria following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024. Tel Aviv declared the 1974 disengagement agreement void and moved into UN-monitored buffer zones, despite Syria’s new administration affirming its commitment to existing treaties. The Golan Heights, which Israel unilaterally annexed in 1981, remains a focal point of international dispute. In 2019, during President Donald Trump’s first term, the US became the first country to recognise the Golan Heights as part of Israel. Espriella, Colombia’s new pro-Israel leader who received strong backing from Trump during his campaign, recently ordered the suspension of a planned embassy in Palestine. READ:UN experts condemn surge in attacks on Palestinians across occupied territories This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the GooglePrivacy PolicyandTerms of Serviceapply. Δ

Government of De la Espriella backed the thesis that Israel “has faced persistent security challenges of an existential nature along its borders,” in an attempt to legitimize the occupation. Government of De la Espriella reaffirms support for Israel’s colonial actions. Photo: EFE August 10, 2026 Time: 22:50 The Government of Colombia, led by Abelardo de la Espriella, attributed this Monday the sovereignty of the Syrian Golan Heights to Israel, territory of Syria occupied militarily since 1967 and unilaterally annexed in 1981, reaffirming its support for Israel’s colonial actions in the Middle East region. The Colombian Foreign Ministry announced the recognition in a statement in which it repeated Tel Aviv’s colonial narrative. “Given the persistent regional instability in the Middle East and considering the strategic importance of the Golan Heights for Israel’s security, the Government of Colombia recognizes Israeli sovereignty over this territory,” the official text said, which also claimed that control of the plateau “constitutes an essential component” of Israeli national defense. The decision was announced three days after De la Espriella took office on August 7 in Cali, amid the tragedy of the earthquake that struck Colombia. The president, who resumed diplomatic relations with Tel Aviv suspended in May 2024 by then-President Gustavo Petro as a consequence of the genocide in the Gaza Strip, supported the thesis that Israel “has faced persistent security challenges of an existential nature along its borders,” thus selling a narrative that benefits the Zionist colonial project and legitimizes the atrocities that the Israeli entity commits against the Palestinian population. “For decades, Israel has faced persistent security challenges of an existential nature along its borders. These threats have intensified significantly in recent years, culminating in the horrific terrorist attacks of October 7, which highlighted the gravity and changing nature of the dangers facing the Israeli people,” said the Colombian Foreign Ministry, which, in a script similar to that of the White House, condemned the defensive military operation of the Palestinian resistance in the territories occupied by the colonial Israeli entity. READ ALSO: The Syrian Golan Heights were occupied by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War and unilaterally annexed in 1981, a move that UN Security Council Resolution 497 declared “null and void” and without international legal validity. The international community continues to consider the plateau Syrian territory under military occupation, with the sole exception of the United States — which recognized Israeli sovereignty in 2019 — and now Colombia. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar thanked the decision and called it “historic.” He stated that the recognition was the result of the meeting he had with De la Espriella last week in Barranquilla and indicated that he would seek to have other countries join in backing the occupation. As part of the rapprochement, Colombia also announced the transfer of its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Author: teleSUR - mb - JDO Source: Agencies

Colombia has recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, the country’s Foreign Ministry announced on Monday. In a statement released on X/Twitter, the ministry stated that it recognizes Israeli control over the area as “an essential component of its national defense and its ability to protect and safeguard its citizens." The recognition resulted from a commitment made by both Israel and Colombia on Saturday, the ministry said. In its declaration, Bogota became only the second UN member state to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the territory captured from Syria in 1967 and effectively annexed by Israel in 1981, after the United States recognized Israeli sovereignty in 2019 during US President Donald Trump’s first term in office. Gideon Sa'ar: Colombia demonstrated 'commitment to Israel' in declaration Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar thanked Colombian President Álvaro de la Espriella for the move and Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bola Escobar for his cooperation on the matter. "Israel is a small country without strategic depth. Defensible borders are essential to ensure the continued existence of the Jewish people in their historic homeland," the foreign minister wrote on his social media accounts. "I will continue working to see more countries join the United States, under President Trump’s leadership, and Colombia, under President de la Espriella’s leadership, in recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan, to which Israeli law was extended 45 years ago." Sa’ar also praised the recognition as a show of the newly-elected Espriella’s leadership, values, and commitment to Israel, coming in the wake of the foreign minister’s recent visit to South America. Golan Regional Council Head Ori Kallner congratulated Colombia on the recognition and expressed gratitude for Sa’ar’s efforts to advance the move. Kallner described the recognition as “right and just from a moral, diplomatic, and strategic standpoint,” vowing to continue working to strengthen the Golan Heights’s standing in the international arena. Colombia's recent push to strengthen Bogota-Jerusalem ties The declaration is the latest move in Bogota’s recent push to strengthen ties with Jerusalem. In July, Colombia ordered the full restoration of diplomatic relations, immediate appointment of ambassadors, and relocation of Colombia’s embassy to Jerusalem. Colombia also withdrew from South Africa’s International Court of Justice lawsuit against Israel, in which South Africa accused Israel of committing genocide during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The renewal of ties with Colombia is part of Sa’ar’s broader initiative to improve relations with South American countries, with the Foreign Ministry designating 2026 as the “Year of Latin America.” Tal Spungin contributed to this report.

Colombia Becomes Second Country To Recognize Israeli Sovereignty over Golan Heights Colombia on Monday officially recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, becoming the second UN member state after the United States to do so. President Abelardo de la Espriella, who was sworn in on Friday, has made bold moves to rebuild his country’s relationship with Israel and reverse the policies of his predecessor, Gustavo Petro. “Given the persistent regional instability in the Middle East and considering the strategic importance of the Golan Heights to Israel’s security, the government of Colombia recognizes Israel’s sovereignty over this territory, as well as the state’s right to defend itself against external threats,” the Colombian government said in a statement on Monday De la Espriella has pledged to restore diplomatic ties with Israel and relocate Colombia’s embassy to Jerusalem. Give the gift of hope We practice what we preach: accurate, fearless journalism. But we can't do it alone. - On the ground in Gaza, Syria, Israel, Egypt, Pakistan, and more - Our program trained more than 100 journalists - Calling out fake news and reporting real facts - On the ground in Gaza, Syria, Israel, Egypt, Pakistan, and more - Our program trained more than 100 journalists - Calling out fake news and reporting real facts Join us. Support The Media Line. Save democracy. In announcing the Golan Heights position, Colombia cited decades of security threats facing Israel along its borders and said the dangers had intensified significantly in recent years, culminating in the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. “In this regional security context, Colombia recognizes that maintaining Israeli control and sovereignty over the Golan Heights constitutes an essential component of its national security and its ability to defend its citizens and safeguard their security,” the government said. Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War and extended Israeli law, jurisdiction and administration to the territory in 1981. Most of the international community does not recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar thanked De la Espriella for what he described as a “historic decision,” which he said followed their meeting Thursday. “I thank Colombia and my good friend, the President of Colombia, Abelardo De La Espriella, for his historic decision to recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights,” Sa’ar wrote on X. Sa’ar also thanked Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar: “Israel is a small country without strategic depth,” Sa’ar said. “Having defensible borders is essential for Israel in order to guarantee the existence of the Jewish people in its historic homeland.”

Colombia on Monday recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, South American country’s new right-wing government announced, making it only the second country in the world to officially endorse Israel’s claim to the disputed territory, after the US did so in 2019. “Given the persistent regional instability in the Middle East and considering the strategic importance of the Golan Heights to Israel’s security, the Government of Colombia recognizes Israeli sovereignty over this territory, as well as Israel’s right to protect itself against external threats,” Colombia’s foreign ministry said in a statement. “In this regional security context, Colombia recognizes that maintaining Israel’s control and sovereignty over the Golan Heights is an essential component of its national defense and its ability to protect and safeguard its citizens,” the statement said. The announcement came just days after theinaugurationas the nation’s president of pro-Israel lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella, who has pledged to move the Colombian embassy to Jerusalem and restore once-vibrant ties, which soured during the Gaza war under former president Gustavo Petro. The inauguration was attended by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, amid a push for closer relations with Latin America. It also came just hours after a powerful 7.4 magnitudeearthquakestruck western Colombia, killing at least 100 people and injuring hundreds more, prompting Israel to offer its assistance. Reacting to the move, Sa’ar thanked his “good friend” de la Espriella “for his historic decision to recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights.” #Atención| Colombia reconoce la soberanía de Israel sobre los Altos del Golán.pic.twitter.com/D7dDZ6lxzy — Cancillería Colombia (@CancilleriaCol)August 10, 2026 “With this, the President of Colombia has demonstrated, in one of his first decisions in office, his leadership, his values, and his commitment to Israel and Israel’s security,” he said on X. Defending the strategic necessity of Israel’s control over the territory, Sa’ar said, “Israel is a small country without strategic depth. Having defensible borders is essential for Israel in order to guarantee the existence of the Jewish people in its historic homeland.” Sa’ar added that he will “continue to act so that more countries join” the US and Colombia in recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan. Israel captured the strategic plateau from Syria during the 1967 Six Day War, and extended Israeli law to it in 1981, a step tantamount to annexation. In 2019, US President Donald Trump broke with decades of US policy by signing a proclamationrecognizingIsraeli sovereignty over the Golan. His successor, Joe Biden,did not reversethe decision. As a multimedia journalist, my job is to take thequality, fact-based journalismproduced by The Times of Israel newsroom and make it accessible across every platform — from Instagram posts to podcasts to short-form videos. This is how many, especially young people, consume news these days. Butmisinformation is rampanton social media. Our team at ToI producesaccurate, responsibleshort-form reporting on Israel and the Jewish world. If you believe in the importance of factual social media journalism, please consider joining our reader support group,The Times of Israel Community.Your financial support is essential to sustain responsible multimedia reporting. — Gabriella Jacobs, multimedia journalist We’re really pleased that you’ve readXTimes of Israel articlesin the past month. That’s why we started the Times of Israel - to provide discerning readers like you with must-read coverage of Israel and the Jewish world. So now we have a request.Unlike other news outlets, we haven’t put up a paywall. But as the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers for whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joiningThe Times of Israel Community. For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of IsraelAD-FREE, as well as accessingexclusive contentavailable only to Times of Israel Community members. Thank you,David Horovitz, Founding Editor of The Times of Israel

Colombia officially recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, making it the second country in the world to take this step after the United States. The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained in a statement that the decision stems from the "strategic importance of the Golan for Israel's security," noting that the new government led by President Abielardo De La Esprela sees this move as a key element in promoting stability. Read also: Colombia announces recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara. In contrast, Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi welcomed the decision and called it "historic," while the move drew criticism for contradicting international consensus and UN Security Council Resolution 497, which considers the Golan to be Syrian-occupied territory. Colombia officially recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, becoming the second country in the world to take this step after the United States. The Colombian Foreign Ministry explained in a statement that the decision is based on the "strategic importance of the Golan in Israel's security," noting that the new government led by President Abielardo De La Esprela views this action as a fundamental element to bolster stability. Read also: Colombia announces recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara. Conversely, Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi welcomed the decision and called it "historic," while the move drew criticism for contradicting international consensus and UN Security Council Resolution 497, which regards the Golan as Syrian-occupied territory.

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Close the sidebar Local news Palestinians Israelis Arab and international news Articles and opinions Files Podcast Sports Culture and arts Science and technology Media Health Ramadan Leisure Close the sidebar 1. 2. Israelis 3. News Poll: Eisenkot surpasses Netanyahu... a majority sees Trump as the one who defines Israel's security policy Publication date: 2026-08-10 - 22:02 A protester against Netanyahu in Tel Aviv (Getty Images) Arab 48 A public opinion poll in Israel on Monday showed that Yesh Atid party leader Gadi Eisenkot leads Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the number of seats and in who is more suitable to assume the role of prime minister, while most Israelis believe that U.S. President Donald Trump determines Tel Aviv’s security policy. Follow the Arab 48 app... speed of news | accuracy of information | depth of analysis This came according to the poll results published by Channel 12 on Monday evening, showing the Yesh Atid party with 24 seats in today’s election, over two seats ahead of Likud, while former premier Naftali Bennett and his alliance Yaḥad, which includes current opposition leader Yair Lapid, would win 15 seats. The poll results for the number of seats won by each party were as follows: - Yesh Atid: 24 seats - Likud: 22 seats - Yaḥad (Bennett–Lapid alliance): 15 seats - Democrats (Labor and Meretz alliance): 11 seats - Yisrael Beiteinu: 10 seats - Shas: 7 seats - United Right: 8 seats - Yahadut Hatorah: 8 seats - Religious Zionism: 5 seats - United List: 5 seats - Joint List of the Arab parties and the Arab Change bloc: 5 seats Triple joint list If a joint three-way list were formed, including the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality, the National Democratic Assembly, and the Arab Movement for Change, it would win 6 seats. Related: Poll: 8 seats for a three-way joint list... about a fifth of Israelis considered emigrating The Unified List would also win 6 seats should former Knesset member from Yesh Atid, Yoav Segalovitz, join it. In such a case, Yesh Atid would have 23 seats, and the Democrats’ seats would drop to 10. Who defines Israel’s security policy? Participants were asked who currently defines Israel’s security policy, Netanyahu or Trump? 63% said the American president defines it, 25% said Netanyahu defines it, and 12% said “I don’t know.” Among those who intend to vote for Netanyahu’s coalition, 29% said Trump defines it, compared with 60% who said Netanyahu defines it. Among opposition voters, 86% said Trump defines Israeli security policy, compared with 6% who said Netanyahu defines it. The poll asked: “Who do you trust more to know how to deal with the American president: Netanyahu, Eisenkot, Bennett, or Lieberman?” Netanyahu received 39%, followed by Eisenkot at 17%, Bennett at 16%, Lieberman at 7%, 11% said “none of them,” and 10% said “I don’t know.” Gaza and Iran When asked if they think Israel will achieve an “absolute victory” in Gaza, 62% said they did not think so, while 25% said yes. Among Netanyahu coalition supporters, about a third (34%) did not think so, versus 55% who believed Israel would achieve an “absolute victory.” Participants were also asked whether Israel should attack Iran alone, in light of reports that Trump may announce an end to the war on Iran; 36% said Israel should attack Iran alone, 44% said it should not, and 20% said “I don’t know.” Related: Poll: Netanyahu’s camp at 50 seats and 62% do not see victory after the war Regarding Gaza, a majority of Israelis (64%) believed Israel should continue military action, despite U.S. calls to move forward to end the war, versus 25% who said Israel should not. In both the government coalition and the opposition, a majority of Israelis think Israel should continue its military actions in Gaza. A separate Channel 14 poll, with a Hasidic base, showed the seats as follows: - Likud: 33 seats - Yesh Atid: 23 seats - Shas: 10 seats - Democrats (Labor and Meretz): 10 seats - Israel Beiteinu: 8 seats - Yaḥad (Bennett–Lapid): 7 seats - Yahadut Hatorah: 7 seats - United Right (Otzma Yehudit): 6 seats - Religious Zionism: 6 seats - Joint List of the Arab parties and the Arab Change bloc: 5 seats - United List: 5 seats On who is best suited to lead the government, Netanyahu led with 54% according to Channel 14’s poll. His main rival Eisenkot received 34%, Bennett 6%, Avigdor Lieberman 5%, Benny Gantz 1%. As for direct suitability between Netanyahu and Eisenkot, Netanyahu led 55% to 45% for Eisenkot. 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