Colombia’s far-right government recognises Israeli claim over Golan Heights

What the report says

Colombia has become the second country after the United States to recognise Israel’s claim of sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, according to an Al Jazeera report published on 11 August 2026. The announcement came from Colombia’s Foreign Ministry just days after far-right President Abelardo de la Espriella took office, marking a notable shift in Bogota’s foreign policy.

The ministry said Colombia recognises Israeli sovereignty over the territory and Israel’s right to defend itself against external threats. Al Jazeera reported that Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar welcomed the move and said he and de la Espriella had agreed on it in Barranquilla ahead of the Colombian president’s inauguration.

The Golan Heights were captured by Israel from Syria in the 1967 war and later annexed in 1981, a step rejected by most of the international community. The United Nations still regards the area as part of Syria. In broader context, the issue remains tied to regional security and to Israel’s military posture along the Syrian frontier, especially after recent instability in Syria and Israel’s expanded activity there, as noted by Al Jazeera.

The recognition also fits de la Espriella’s pledge to restore closer ties with Israel after his predecessor broke diplomatic relations and halted Israeli arms imports over the Gaza war.