Jerusalem Post/Israel News/Israel PoliticsThe announcement, made by incoming Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriell, said that Colombia aims to restore the "historic ties with Israel," following the government of Gustavo Petro.Follow us on GoogleIsrael and Colombia flags at the peaceful protest of the members of the active reserve of the military and police forces against the government of Gustavo Petro, October 2023.(photo credit: SHUTTERSTOCK)ByANNA BARSKYJULY 19, 2026 12:14Updated: JULY 19, 2026 17:19Colombia will withdraw from South Africa’s lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice in The Hague on charges of genocide, President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella’s office said Friday.“Colombia will also return to a responsible position on the international stage, including in UN bodies,” it said.The new government intends to strengthen relations between Jerusalem and Bogotá, it added.Last Wednesday, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar met with Colombia’s incoming foreign minister, Omar Bula Escobar.Colombia’s incoming government criticized outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s decision to “unilaterally sever the historic relations between Colombia and Israel.”Colombia’s incoming foreign minister, Omar Bula Escobar (L), and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar shake hands after agreeing to work to repair Israel and Colombia's relations. (credit: FOREIGN MINISTRY)Sa'ar meets Bula in WashingtonSa’ar met with Bula Escobar in Washington. They said they would put relations between the two countries back on track immediately after de la Espriella’s inauguration on August 7.They agreed on the full restoration of diplomatic and economic relations between the countries and on the immediate and reciprocal appointment of ambassadors.Bula Escobar said his government intends to open an embassy in Jerusalem, and Sa’ar pledged to give his ministry’s full assistance to carry out the move immediately.In addition, they also agreed to a mutual cancellation of the visa requirement to travel between the two countries.Follow us on Google