Colombia opens embassy in Jerusalem
Colombia officially opened an embassy in Jerusalem, an event attended by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar. President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office two months earlier with backing from former U.S. president Donald Trump, had pledged to improve relations with Israel, and his administration described the opening as a diplomatic milestone. Israel’s prime minister hailed the move as a blow to the worldwide “woke” agenda, referencing left‑leaning leaders in Latin America who have criticized Israel. The ceremony marked a clear shift from the policy of former President Gustavo Petro, who had repeatedly condemned Israel.
How this was covered
- Right-leaning outlets covered this 78h later
Why it matters
The embassy signals a notable shift in Colombia’s foreign policy toward Israel, affecting how the two countries engage diplomatically.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTAll camps report the embassy opening and the reversal of Petro’s policies, but left-leaning and centrist coverage stress the diplomatic milestone and restoration of ties, while right-leaning coverage foregrounds the reversal of “Marxist” actions and frames the move as historic and ideologically corrective.
LEFT
Frames the opening as a diplomatic milestone that reverses left-wing policies and strengthens bilateral relations with Israel.
CENTER
Frames the move as a sharp, concrete turn to restore ties that should never have been broken, highlighting the reinstated free-trade deal.
RIGHT
Frames the embassy as undoing Marxist sabotage, restoring historic Israel-Colombia relations, and marking a significant, ideologically-driven correction.
The left emphasises
- milestone in bilateral relations
- reversal of former President Gustavo Petro’s 2024 severance of ties
- strong support for Israel
The right emphasises
- restores ties cut by Marxists
- historic reversal of Petro’s negative actions
- second country after the United States to acknowledge Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights
How this story developed
- Oct 8 Colombian protesters denounce new embassy in Jerusalem and renewed ties with Israel
- Oct 14 Colombia inaugurated an embassy in Jerusalem.
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