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On May 1st, during the International Workers’ Day rally at Bolívar’s Square, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced the cessation of diplomatic relations with Israel due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Palestine.
“Here in front of you, the government of change, of the president of the republic, announces that tomorrow we will break diplomatic relations with the state of Israel … for having a government, for having a president who is genocidal,” he declared.
(HI! ONE LAST EDIT, COULD YOU PLEASE MOVE THE HYPERLINK OVER THIS PHRASE TO ONLY COVER THE PORTION I BOLDED IN IT? THANK YOU!)
This announcement was soon confirmed by the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a statement emphasizing that “this decision is solely about breaking diplomatic relations and is not against the Israeli people or Jewish communities, with whom we share enduring historical and friendly ties.”
Tracing Ties: The Diplomatic Journey of Colombia and Israel
The relationship between Colombia and Israel dates back to around 1947 when Colombia abstained from voting during the UN General Assembly’s resolution to address the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis, which ultimately led to the creation of the State of Israel. Colombia officially recognized Israel in February 1949, and diplomatic relations were formally established on October 1, 1957, resulting in the opening of embassies in Tel Aviv and Bogotá. This marked the beginning of a stable economic and military support relationship between the two nations, which continued until around 2022 when Gustavo Petro took office.
From the late 1980s onward, Colombia acquired Israeli Kfir fighter jets, deploying them against guerrilla camps. This initiated a prolonged era of military cooperation, as Colombia continued to invest in Israeli-made warplanes and weapons to combat drug cartels and guerillas. Throughout this time Colombia actively engaged with Israel’s military, participating in training programs focused on what the Colombian state termed “counter-terrorism and combat techniques.”
However, the economic ties between the two nations extend beyond the realm of military goods. In 2014 a free trade agreement (FTA) was signed between Colombia and Israel, which came into effect on August 11, 2020. Today, Israel purchases approximately 1% of Colombia’s total exports, encompassing commodities such as coal, coffee, and flowers. Conversely, Colombia imports various products from Israel, including electrical equipment, plastics, and fertilizers. These trade dynamics represent only a fraction of the broader economic exchange between them. In addition, over the past 24 years, the two nations have cultivated a remarkable partnership through the Mashav program. According to Marcos Peckel, recent governments under Álvaro Uribe, Juan Manuel Santos, and Iván Duque have shown a tendency to align more closely with Israel.
Nevertheless, the Colombian government over the decades has aimed to maintain a historical balance between Israeli and Arab nations. Santos’s administration recognized Palestine as a state in 2018, a decision upheld by Duque’s government, which declared that “the decision made by his predecessor Juan Manuel Santos to recognize Palestine as a free and sovereign state is irreversible.” These actions were met with surprise and disappointment by the Israeli government, which viewed them as a slap in the face from a loyal friend.
In recent months, following the intensification of the historic conflict between Israelis and Palestinians and under the new administration of President Gustavo Petro, bilateral relations between Colombia and Israel have started to waver. This decline has been exacerbated as a result of the October 7th attacks by Hamas on Israel and the subsequent Israeli military operation in Palestine. Petro’s constant statements against Israel’s military actions in Gaza have been similarly inflammatory.
Why Colombia Cut Ties: Unpacking the Reasons Behind the Break
The Colombian government has consistently maintained a firm position on the Israel-Palestine conflict, calling for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and humanitarian aid for Gaza in response to Israel’s military operations there. Colombia argues that Israel’s actions have disregarded fundamental principles of international humanitarian law such as distinction, proportionality, and precaution. Despite Colombia’s advocacy, severe humanitarian crises, including famine, infrastructure destruction, and civilian casualties, persist in Gaza, reinforcing Colombia’s belief that Israel’s conduct does not meet international standards.
Colombia has pushed for a Peace Conference to address the conflict and supports a two-state solution based on the UN’s 1967 borders. Valuing negotiation and dialogue for conflict resolution, Colombia has also taken its stance to international forums and the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In early April this year, the Colombian government requested to join an ICJ case filed by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide, aiming to protect vulnerable populations in Gaza.
As tensions grew and accusations from the Israeli government mounted, President Gustavo Petro announced on May 2 that Colombia would sever diplomatic relations with Israel. Petro, a leading figure in Latin America’s “pink tide” progressive wave, has been a vocal critic of Israel since the onset of the Gaza war. The Foreign Ministry statement emphasized that this decision targets diplomatic relations, not the Israeli people or Jewish communities. Colombia remains committed to peace and a two-state solution, with President Petro unequivocally stating, “Colombia does not support genocides. Period.”
On June 8th, President Petro announced via social media that Colombia would suspend coal exports to Israel through a decree until what he termed as “the genocide” in Gaza stops. The decree, effective five days after publication, suspends the export of coal and briquettes until Israel complies with provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice to cease military operations in Rafah.
Israel’s Reaction
Israel has suspended security exports to Colombia following President Petro’s constant criticisms and statements, which have not been well-received by Israel. Members of the Israeli government and the Knesset have condemned and responded to Petro’s remarks. Petro accused Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of using language reminiscent of “Nazi rhetoric towards Jews”, following Gallant’s statement that Israel was combating “human animals” in Gaza while ordering a total siege of the territory after deadly attacks on southern Israel on October 7th. In Jerusalem, Foreign Minister Israel Katz retaliated by labeling the leftist leader as “antisemitic and full of hatred.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also responded to President Petro’s statements via social media, reiterating the terrorist nature of Hamas and condemning the October 7th attack. Netanyahu directed a strong rebuke at the Colombian leader, stating, “Shame on you, Petro!”
Latin America’s Stance: A Regional Analysis
Meanwhile in Latin America, responses to the Israel-Palestine/Gaza conflict have varied widely among different countries, reflecting diverse geopolitical considerations and domestic factors. Historically, left-leaning countries in Latin America have tended to sympathize with the Palestinian cause, while right-wing nations often align closely with the United States, turning the Israel-Palestine issue into a proxy for their foreign relations.
Bolivia, under President Luis Arce, severed diplomatic relations with Israel and referred the situation to the International Criminal Court, framing its actions as a response to perceived violations of international law and human rights. Belize also cut ties with Israel, while Honduras recalled its ambassador in solidarity with Palestinians, particularly after the bombing of a Jabalia refugee camp. Chile, home to a significant Palestinian community, saw President Gabriel Boric condemn Israel’s actions as collective punishment and the Senate ban imports from Israeli settlements, sparking criticism from the United States.
Argentina presents a contrasting case with its newly elected president, Javier Milei, who has shown strong support for Israel. Milei has pledged to move Argentina’s embassy to Jerusalem and emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense, marking a significant shift from the previous administration under Alberto Fernández, which condemned violations by both Hamas and Israel. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva described Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide and supported a UN Security Council ceasefire resolution, illustrating Brazil’s vocal opposition. Conversely, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele aligned with the United States in supporting Israel and condemning Hamas, despite his Palestinian ancestry.
Mexico advocated for a political solution respecting both Israel’s security and Palestinian statehood, calling for a humanitarian ceasefire. Peru condemned Israel’s conduct and emphasized a two-state solution. Caribbean nations called for an end to violence, urging compliance with UN resolutions. Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Cuba diverged by either justifying or not condemning Hamas, with leaders like Daniel Ortega and Nicolás Maduro expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause and blaming long-standing Israeli policies for the conflict.
The way Latin American nations have responded highlights the complex interplay of historical alliances, internal demographics, and geopolitical considerations shaping each country’s stance on the Israel-Palestine/Gaza conflict. While some have condemned Israel’s military actions and taken diplomatic steps in protest, others have pursued a more balanced approach, weighing Israel’s security concerns against calls for Palestinian rights and advocating for a negotiated peace settlement.
Conclusion
Colombia’s decision to sever diplomatic ties with Israel marks a pivotal moment in its foreign policy, reflecting a strong stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict that could reshape its international relationships and domestic politics. This move, led by President Gustavo Petro, underscores the complex dynamics at play in Latin America. As Latin America navigates these intricate waters, Colombia’s bold step sets a precedent that may influence regional and global diplomatic landscapes.
Questions
- Do you think Colombia’s decision to cut ties with Israel will impact its fight against terrorism, given the history of military cooperation between the two countries?
- Looking at the broader picture, how do you think Latin American countries will respond to the Israel-Palestine conflict in the future, and what could this mean for regional stability and diplomatic relations?
- What are your thoughts on the potential international repercussions for Colombia following its decision to break diplomatic relations with Israel?
Further reading
Mohnblatt, Debbie. Colombia’s diplomatic break from Israel impacts trade, security, and global relations – explainer. The Jerusalem Post. May 10, 2024.
Ignatius, David. “The paradox ahead for Gaza: A postwar where war goes on.” The Washington Post. June 11, 2024.
Agencies and TOI staff. Colombia says it will halt coal sales to Israel over war in Gaza. The Times Of Israel. June 10, 2024.
