Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced the break of diplomatic relations with Israel, citing the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. He has previously suspended weapon purchases from Israel and condemned the country’s actions in Gaza as “genocide.” This decision comes after weeks of escalating tensions and Petro’s critical comments about Israel’s military offensive.
In response to Petro’s announcement, Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz denounced the president’s remarks, accusing him of siding with “despicable monsters” responsible for violence against civilians. This exchange highlighted the deepening rift between the two countries, which were historically close allies in the region. However, since Petro’s election as Colombia’s first leftist president, relations have cooled significantly.
Colombia and Israel have a history of military cooperation, with Colombia using Israeli-built weapons to combat drug cartels and rebel groups. The two countries also signed a free trade agreement in 2020. Israel has expressed its commitment to defending its citizens and maintaining strong relations with Colombia, despite Petro’s criticisms and decision to sever ties with the country.
Colombia’s military ties with Israel date back to the late 1980s when the country purchased Kfir fighter jets for aerial attacks on guerrilla groups. These attacks played a significant role in weakening the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia and pushing the group into peace talks that ultimately led to its disarmament in 2016. Petro’s participation in a recent march in Bogota aimed to promote his proposed reforms in healthcare, pensions, and labor policies.
Petro’s stance on the conflict in Gaza and his decision to break diplomatic relations with Israel reflect his commitment to standing against what he views as injustice and human rights violations. While this move may strain relations between Colombia and Israel, it also underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region. As the situation continues to develop, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact both countries and their respective positions on the international stage.
