Colombia has joined other Latin American countries in severing diplomatic ties with Israel over its military campaign in Gaza, with President Gustavo Petro describing Israel’s actions as “genocide.” The decision could have broader repercussions for Colombia due to longstanding agreements on security matters between the two nations. Colombia’s military uses Israeli-built warplanes and machine guns to combat drug cartels and rebel groups, and there is a free trade agreement between the two countries that went into effect in 2020. Colombia is not alone in its decision, as Bolivia and Belize have also cut diplomatic relations with Israel over the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Colombia and Israel have a history of close ties, with military contracts linking them closer than anything else. Colombia’s fleet of fighter jets is entirely Israeli-built, and the country also uses Israeli-designed rifles and receives assistance with cybersecurity needs from Israel. However, the aging fleet of fighter jets requires maintenance that can only be done by an Israeli firm, and manufacturers from other countries have approached Colombia with replacement options. It remains to be seen how President Petro’s decision will impact Colombia’s military-related contracts with Israel, as the government has stated that existing contracts will be fulfilled, but no new contracts will be signed.
Colombia’s Defense Minister has stated that a “transition” committee has been established to diversify suppliers and explore the development of domestic alternatives to avoid depending on Israel. There has also been tension between the two countries regarding security cooperation, with Israel halting security exports to Colombia in response to Petro’s refusal to condemn a Hamas attack on Israel and his comparison of Israel’s actions in Gaza to those of Nazi Germany. If Colombia does not uphold its contract obligations with Israel, it could affect the country’s military capabilities, as maintenance and spare parts for the Israeli-built fleet of fighter jets are essential.
In addition to security cooperation, Colombia and Israel also have a trade relationship that was formalized with a free trade agreement that took effect in August 2020. Israel is now among Colombia’s top buyers, purchasing products such as coal, coffee, and flowers. However, exports to Israel dropped significantly in 2022, totaling $499 million. Colombia also imports goods from Israel, including electrical equipment, plastics, and fertilizers. It is unclear how the diplomatic fallout between the two countries will impact their trade agreement, as neither government has provided any details on the matter.
Overall, Colombia’s decision to cut diplomatic ties with Israel could have far-reaching implications beyond just their relationship, particularly in terms of security cooperation and trade. The fate of military-related contracts between the two countries remains uncertain, as does the impact on Colombia’s military capabilities if these contracts are not fulfilled. The trade relationship between Colombia and Israel, while significant, has seen a decline in exports to Israel in recent years. The future of these ties will depend on how both countries navigate the fallout from this diplomatic rift.
