After the United States, Colombia Recognizes Israeli Sovereignty over the Golan
The Colombian government has announced its recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, marking a notable shift in Bogotá’s position on the issue.
Colombia thus becomes the second country in the world, after the United States, to take such a step.
In a statement, the Colombian government said the decision came “amid the continuing regional instability in the Middle East” and in view of “the strategic importance of the Golan Heights to Israel’s security.” It reaffirmed its recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the area and of Israel’s right to protect itself against external threats.
Rationale for the Recognition
The Colombian government explained that Israel had faced security challenges and existential threats along its borders for decades, arguing that these threats had intensified significantly in recent years.
It referred to the October 7 attacks, describing them as “horrific terrorist attacks,” and said they had demonstrated the severity and changing nature of the risks faced by the Israeli people.
It added that maintaining Israeli control and sovereignty over the Golan Heights constituted, in this regional security context, a key element of Israel’s national defense and its ability to protect its citizens and safeguard their security.
In its statement, Colombia also reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing “a stable and lasting peace in the Middle East.”
A Shift in Bogotá’s Policy
The decision represents a shift in Bogotá’s policy toward Israel following the election of new President Abelardo de la Espriella, after the tenure of former President Gustavo Petro, who severed diplomatic relations with Israel.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar had met with Colombia’s new president and said the recognition followed an understanding between the two countries, alongside the full restoration of diplomatic relations and discussions over moving Colombia’s embassy to Jerusalem.
The Golan and Its International Legal Status
Israel occupied the Syrian Golan Heights in 1967 and subsequently extended its laws to the territory in 1981.
However, Colombia’s recognition does not alter the region’s international legal status. Under United Nations Security Council Resolution 497, Israel’s measure was declared “null and void and without international legal effect.”
By recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, Colombia becomes the second country after the United States to adopt this position.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres previously said during a visit to Syria, following Israel’s announcement of its intention to annex the areas it occupies in the Golan: “I would like to remind the international community that the Golan Heights is Syrian territory,” adding that “these violations are, of course, extremely serious, but they must not make us forget that the Golan Heights is part of Syrian territory.”
Guterres also described “what is happening in the area surrounding the Golan Heights” as “completely unacceptable,” stressing “the importance of full respect for Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity.”
