Colombia has officially recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from several Middle Eastern countries including Egypt, Syria, Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. The decision was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, following President Abelardo De La Espriella’s inauguration in Cali. According to the ministry, the recognition is based on the belief that Israel’s control over the territory constitutes an essential component of its national defense and ability to protect its citizens. The Golan Heights, a disputed region since the 1967 Six-Day War, have been under Israeli occupation since 1974, despite being considered Syrian territory by the United Nations and many other nations. The announcement came shortly after the president’s swearing-in ceremony, during which Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar attended and expressed gratitude for Colombia’s stance. In a tweet, Sa’ar referred to De La Espriella as his “good friend” and praised the recognition as a reaffirmation of historical ties. Meanwhile, Colombian Vice President José Manuel Restrepo confirmed plans for a state visit to Israel in October, citing the importance of secure borders for the Jewish people’s homeland. The visit is part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation, with both sides agreeing to establish a binational economic commission. In response to Colombia’s decision, several Arab and Muslim-majority states issued formal condemnations. Syria stated that the Golan Heights are an inseparable part of its territory and called the recognition a “flagrant violation” of the UN Charter and international resolutions. It emphasized that the United Nations, through Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, has consistently affirmed the Golan Heights as Syrian territory. Saudi Arabia similarly denounced the move, asserting that it violates international law and undermines peace efforts in the region. Qatar echoed these sentiments, describing the Golan Heights as an “occupied Arab territory” and warning that any unilateral recognition of Israeli sovereignty would hinder regional stability. Turkey, too, strongly opposed the decision, calling it a serious breach of international law. Its foreign ministry claimed that such actions lack legal validity and contribute to the normalization of illegal occupation. The country has long maintained close diplomatic ties with Colombia, including a free trade agreement signed in 2015 and high-level visits between leaders such as former President Ivan Duque and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Despite this, Turkey’s rejection of Colombia’s stance underscores the growing geopolitical tensions surrounding the issue. Egypt, another key player in the region, also condemned the recognition, highlighting its military presence in the Sinai Peninsula as part of the 1979 Camp David Accords. Since March 1992, the Egyptian military has deployed the Colombia Battalion No. 3 to safeguard the agreements with Israel. While Egypt has historically aligned with Colombia on certain issues, the recent decision has strained relations, particularly given the shared strategic interests in maintaining regional security. The Golan Heights remain a contentious issue due to their strategic and resource significance. The area provides Israel with critical surveillance capabilities over Damascus and southern Syria, and its water resources contribute significantly to Israel’s supply. Additionally, the region hosts one of the few ski resorts in the Middle East. For Israel, controlling the Golan Heights serves as a buffer against Iranian influence in Syria, where Israeli forces have intensified attacks against Iranian targets since 2017. The decision marks a shift in Colombia’s foreign policy, reflecting a more assertive approach toward aligning with Western and Israeli positions on territorial disputes. This follows similar moves, such as Colombia’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, which reversed a previous stance under President Gustavo Petro. Critics argue that the new administration is prioritizing pragmatic alliances over longstanding diplomatic commitments, particularly regarding the Middle East. As the situation develops, the international community will likely continue to monitor the implications of Colombia’s decision, especially in light of ongoing conflicts and negotiations involving Syria, Israel, and neighboring states. The coming months will reveal whether this recognition leads to increased collaboration or further isolation for Colombia in the region.
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