Kathmandu— Colombia has become the second country to formally recognize Israel’s claim of sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, a move announced by its Foreign Ministry on Monday following the recent inauguration of far-right President Abelardo de la Espriella. The decision aligns Colombia with the United States, which recognized Israel's annexation of the territory in 2019, and marks a significant policy shift from the previous Colombian administration. The announcement cited Israel’s right to self-defense and maintaining control over the strategically important region as justification for recognizing its sovereignty. This recognition comes amid an expanded Israeli military presence within Syria following recent political instability.

International Condemnation of Annexation

Israel captured most of the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War and subsequently annexed the territory in 1981. This annexation has been widely rejected by the international community, with the United Nations continuing to recognize the region as part of Syria. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently reiterated this stance, describing the Israeli occupation as “totally unacceptable.” Syria attempted to regain control of the Golan during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war but was unsuccessful, leading to an armistice in 1974 and a period of relative calm.

Shift in Colombian Foreign Policy

The recognition represents a sharp departure from the policies of former Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who had criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, severed diplomatic relations, and halted Israeli arms imports. New President Abelardo de la Espriella campaigned on a platform of closer ties with both the US and Israel, promising to combat armed groups within Colombia through strengthened international partnerships. He has also cancelled plans to open an embassy in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.

Israeli Response and Regional Implications

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed gratitude for the “historic” recognition from his “good friend,” President de la Espriella, stating that they had agreed on the move during a meeting in Barranquilla prior to the inauguration. The decision comes as Israel has been expanding its military footprint within Syria following the collapse of the government led by Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, moving troops into a UN-monitored buffer zone and seizing strategic territories including the Syrian side of Jabal al-Sheikh (Mount Hermon).

Colombia’s recognition is expected to further complicate international efforts to resolve the long-standing dispute over the Golan Heights and may embolden Israel's continued presence in the region.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.