Colombia Opens Jerusalem Embassy, Restores Free Trade Deal with Israel

Colombia opened its embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, becoming the 10th country to establish a diplomatic mission in the city.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar attended the inauguration ceremony. The move reverses the policy of former Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who severed diplomatic relations with Israel in May 2024 over its actions in Gaza. Petro had also terminated a free trade agreement with Israel in October 2025. On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the free trade agreement was formally reinstated.

President Abelardo de la Espriella, who was sworn in in August, had pledged to move the embassy to Jerusalem if elected. Sa’ar described the embassy opening as a recognition of the simple political fact that Jerusalem is Israel’s capital and said Israel and Colombia were entering the beginning of a golden age. Escobar stated that relations between the two countries should never have been severed and that Israel is a strategic partner.

Most countries maintain their embassies to Israel in Tel Aviv, believing Jerusalem’s status should be decided through a final settlement of the Palestinian issue. Israel regards Jerusalem as its capital, while Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as the capital of a future independent state. The US moved its embassy to Jerusalem in 2018, followed by countries including Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay, and Somaliland.

The Palestinian foreign ministry condemned Colombia's decision, calling it a violation of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, and an attack on the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people. Egypt and Saudi Arabia also condemned the opening, with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry calling it a flagrant violation of international law and UN resolutions.