Colombia recognizes Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights

Colombia recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights on Monday, becoming only the second country after the United States to recognize Israel's claim to the territory.

Colombia's foreign ministry said on X that the government recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and Israel's right to protect itself against external threats. It also said maintaining Israeli control of the area was an essential part of Israel's national defense.

Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria in 1967 and annexed it in 1981. The United Nations maintains that the plateau is Syrian territory under Israeli military occupation.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar thanked Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office on Friday. Saar said the two had agreed on the move in Barranquilla one day before De la Espriella's inauguration.

De la Espriella has promised close ties with the United States and Israel. His predecessor, Gustavo Petro, criticized Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip, cut diplomatic relations and halted Israeli arms imports into Colombia.