Saudi Arabia, Syria, and several Arab nations have condemned Colombia’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, labeling the move a violation of international law and UN resolutions.
The Colombian government, under new President Abelardo de la Espriella, announced its recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights on August 10. This decision follows a campaign promise by de la Espriella to renew a strategic alliance with Israel.
The Colombian Foreign Ministry stated that Israeli control over the Golan Heights is an essential component of Israel's national defense and crucial for protecting the Israeli population from external threats.
Diplomatic Rejection from Arab Nations
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry stated that the recognition violates the UN Charter and UN Security Council Resolution 497 of 1981. Saudi officials maintained that the Golan Heights are occupied Syrian Arab territory.
No measures or decisions seeking to alter its legal status create any rights or legitimacy.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry also argued that the move departs from international consensus, undermines peace efforts, and reinforces attempts to impose a fait accompli. The ministry called on Colombia to review its August 10 decision.
Kuwait and Jordan also condemned the recognition, asserting that the Golan Heights are an integral part of Syrian territory. Kuwait's Foreign Ministry called on the international community and the UN Security Council to ensure compliance with international law and demand the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Lebanon's Foreign Ministry rejected the recognition, stressing respect for Syria's sovereignty. Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fehmi stated that the decision has no legal effect and called on Colombia to abandon it.
Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jassim Mohamed al-Budaiwi described the recognition as invalid and unacceptable, calling for its withdrawal and for Israel to withdraw from occupied Arab territories.
Legal and Historical Context
Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 Middle East war and annexed them in 1981. UN Security Council Resolution 497 (1981) declared the imposition of Israeli laws, jurisdiction, and administration over the territory 'null and void and without international legal effect'.
The United Nations continues to view the Golan Heights as part of Syria. In November 2024, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution demanding Israel's withdrawal from the territory. Prior to Colombia's decision, only the United States had recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, a move made in 2019.
Israeli Response and Regional Shifts
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar welcomed the decision, calling it a 'historic decision' following a meeting with President de la Espriella in Colombia. Saar attended de la Espriella's inauguration in Cali, Colombia, on Friday.
The new Colombian administration marks a shift from predecessor Gustavo Petro, who had broken diplomatic relations with Israel due to the Gaza war. Under de la Espriella, Colombia has also announced plans to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar noted that Israel has launched an initiative to strengthen ties with Latin America, with the Foreign Ministry declaring 2026 the 'Year of Latin America'. Similar diplomatic movements in the region include Argentina's Javier Milei expanding ties with Israel and Paraguay moving its embassy to Jerusalem at the end of 2024.
