The Government of Abelardo de la Espriella announced the recognition of the sovereignty of Israel over the Golan Heights, in an official statement released by the Colombian Foreign Ministry following the recent inauguration of the new right-wing president.
The decision comes in a context that the Colombian Executive describes as “persistent regional instability in the Middle East.”
According to the official document, the recognition responds to the consideration of the strategic importance of this territory for the security of the State of Israel, as well as its right to defend itself against external threats.
Abelardo de la Espriella and Gideon Sa'ar
“In light of the persistent regional instability in the Middle East and considering the strategic importance of the Golan Heights for the security of Israel, the Government of Colombia recognizes Israeli sovereignty over this territory, as well as that State's right to protect itself against external threats,” states the communiqué.
In this regard, the text refers to the security challenges that Israel has faced for decades, characterized as persistent and existential in nature, which have intensified in recent years.
“For decades, Israel has faced persistent and existential security challenges along its borders. These threats have significantly intensified in recent years, culminating in the horrific terrorist attacks of October 7, which highlighted the severity and changing nature of the dangers faced by the Israeli people,” it indicates.
The Colombian government also stated that, in this scenario, Israel's control of the territory constitutes a central element for its national defense and the protection of its population.
Israeli soldiers in the Golan Heights
“In this regional security context, Colombia recognizes that maintaining control and sovereignty of Israel over the Golan Heights constitutes an essential component of its national defense and its capacity to protect and safeguard its citizens,” affirms the official text.
Furthermore, the communiqué explains that the decision is framed within the country's commitment to international stability and the pursuit of a lasting solution in the region.
“With this decision, Colombia reaffirms its commitment to seeking a stable and lasting peace in the Middle East,” it adds.
The Foreign Ministry specified that the statement responds to a prior commitment made between both nations, reached on Saturday, August 8, and is part of the new direction of the government's foreign policy following the change of administration.
