Colombia has officially recognized Israel's claim of sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, making it the second country in the world to do so. The announcement came from the South American nation's Foreign Ministry on Monday, shortly after the inauguration of its new far-right President, Abelardo de la Espriella.

This move aligns Colombia with the United States, which formally recognized Israel's annexation of the territory in 2019. The international community largely rejects Israel's claim over the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War and illegally annexed in 1981.

The Colombian Foreign Ministry stated that the government recognizes "Israeli sovereignty over this territory, as well as that State’s right to protect itself against external threats." The statement further added that Colombia views maintaining Israel's control and sovereignty over the Golan Heights as an "essential component of its national defence."

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed gratitude to President de la Espriella for the "historic" recognition, noting that the agreement was made prior to the Colombian president's inauguration. The United Nations continues to recognize the Golan Heights as part of Syria, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently reiterating this stance and calling the Israeli occupation "totally unacceptable."

Colombia's decision occurs amidst an expansion of Israel's military presence in Syria, following the collapse of the Syrian government in December 2024. Israel has reportedly moved troops into a UN-monitored buffer zone and occupied strategic locations, including the Syrian side of Mount Hermon.

President de la Espriella, a millionaire politician, campaigned on promises of strengthening ties with the United States and Israel. His administration aims to counter armed groups within Colombia and has signaled a shift in foreign policy compared to his predecessor, Gustavo Petro. Petro had previously criticized Israel's actions in Gaza, severed diplomatic relations, and halted arms imports from Israel.

Furthermore, de la Espriella has reportedly canceled plans initiated by the previous administration to open a Colombian embassy in Ramallah, located in the occupied West Bank. This indicates a significant realignment of Colombia's foreign relations, particularly concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and regional security dynamics.

The Golan Heights have been a focal point of regional tensions since the 1967 war. While an armistice was signed between Israel and Syria in 1974, the status of the territory remains a contentious issue, with international bodies and a majority of nations viewing its occupation as a violation of international law.