Colombia Opens Israel Embassy in Jerusalem
The Facts
- Colombia became the 10th government to open an embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, joining the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Fiji, Nauru and Somaliland. Most other countries continue to keep their missions in Tel Aviv.
- At the same time, Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar announced that Bogotá was withdrawing from the Hague Group, a coalition pressing for measures against Israel. In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Latin America was proving a growing asset for Israel.
- Meanwhile, thousands marched across Colombia on Wednesday in protests against Israel's war in Gaza and the opening of Bogotá's embassy in Jerusalem, a step Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar described as a "historic day" and the start of a "golden age" between the two countries.
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The Spin
Pro-government narrative
Cutting ties with a strategic democracy to score points with the isolation crowd was a disgraceful diplomatic detour, and the reversal restores Colombia's standing and credibility. Recognizing where Israel's capital sits is political honesty. Stronger partnerships in trade, farming and technology offer real economic benefits to both countries and beat empty political grandstanding.
Government-critical narrative
Trading away a principled stand for applause in Washington and Jerusalem cheapens Colombia's voice and credibility on the world stage. Rewarding annexation while Gaza lies in ruins makes a mockery of international law and the U.N. resolutions meant to preserve peace and protect occupied territories. A capital claimed through occupation cannot be made legitimate simply by diplomatic ceremony and ribbon-cutting.
