The Colombian Foreign Ministry claimed the decision was made because of what it described as a “serious threat to international peace and security,” and repeated accusations against the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) of conducting covert operations outside Iran.
The move comes after Abelardo de la Espriella, who recently came to power in Colombia and is considered a strong supporter of the Israeli regime, shifted the country’s foreign policy toward closer ties with the illegal Zionist entity.
Notably, after de la Espriella’s victory on August 7, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was the first to call and congratulate him.
De la Espriella came to power in 2026 and changed Colombia’s foreign policy compared with the previous government, particularly regarding Israel and the United States.
Under former President Gustavo Petro, Colombia severed diplomatic relations with the Israeli regime in May 2024 in protest against the genocidal war in Gaza.
By contrast, de la Espriella announced even before taking office that he would restore relations with the Israeli regime.
In July 2026, he held talks with the Israeli president on restoring relations, after which the new Colombian government spoke of strengthening security and economic ties with the regime.
After the new government took office, the process accelerated.
In August 2026, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar met with de la Espriella, and the two sides discussed strengthening diplomatic, security and economic relations.
The issue of moving Colombia’s embassy to Al-Quds was also raised.
A month later, Colombia announced that it recognized Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights.
Taken together, these positions have moved Colombia under the new government toward becoming the Israeli regime’s most important ally in South America.