Colombia’s embassy in Jerusalem was inaugurated on Wednesday in a historic ceremony, making the South American nation the tenth country to operate a diplomatic mission in Israel’s capital. The ceremony, held at the embassy’s offices on Rabbi Akiva Street, marked the culmination of a dramatic diplomatic reversal led by newly elected President Abelardo de la Espriella, following two years of completely severed relations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar affixed a mezuzah to the embassy’s entrance before joining Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bola Escobar to unveil the embassy’s official sign, cut the ribbon and sign the guestbook. Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion and Colombian Ambassador Tania Gilinski also attended the ceremony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mayor Lion welcomed Colombia’s decision, declaring: “This is a day of celebration for Jerusalem. We warmly and respectfully welcome our friends from Colombia and invite them to regard Jerusalem as their home in every sense of the word. Opening the embassy is an important and courageous step that sends a clear message about Jerusalem’s status as the capital of the State of Israel.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Writing on X, Sa’ar described the inauguration as “an important and historic day for Israel-Colombia relations and for Jerusalem, our capital.” He thanked President de la Espriella, recalling a promise made in Buenos Aires long before his election: “If I am elected president of the republic, I will immediately move Colombia’s embassy to Jerusalem.” Sa’ar concluded: “He promised, and he delivered.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bola Escobar, who traveled to Israel specifically for the ceremony, declared that “Colombia is an unconditional ally of Israel.” His statement reflects a profound transformation in bilateral relations. Former President Gustavo Petro severed diplomatic ties in 2024 over the war in Gaza, recalled ambassadors and froze security and economic cooperation. Colombia also joined legal proceedings against Israel in The Hague, deepening a diplomatic rupture that lasted approximately two years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following de la Espriella’s election and inauguration in August 2026, relations were fully restored. Agreements reached between Sa’ar and Bola Escobar included an exchange of ambassadors, visa exemptions, recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and Colombia’s withdrawal from the proceedings in The Hague.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Opening the embassy in Jerusalem rather than Tel Aviv represents explicit recognition of Israel’s capital and continues a trend among countries friendly to Israel. Beyond restoring historical ties, the move is portrayed as a victory for pragmatic diplomacy over anti-Israel ideology. Israel regards it as a significant diplomatic achievement in Latin America, while Colombia regains a strategic partner in security, technology and trade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n