Thousands of protesters have rallied across Colombia to condemn the government's decision to open an embassy in West Jerusalem, a move that marks a significant shift in the country's foreign policy. The demonstrations, which were part of a nationwide mobilization, also denounced Israel's actions in Gaza.
In the capital, Bogota, hundreds of students, social movement activists, and other demonstrators marched through the streets, waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans such as “Zionists out, Abelardo out.” Protesters also carried banners declaring, “We are not your backyard,” as they voiced opposition to President Abelardo de la Espriella's efforts to strengthen ties with Israel.
The protests coincided with the official inauguration of Colombia's embassy in West Jerusalem on Wednesday. This opening reverses a decision by the previous administration to sever diplomatic relations with Israel.
President de la Espriella, who assumed office in August, restored the diplomatic ties that former President Gustavo Petro had cut in 2024, citing Israel's actions in Gaza. His administration also reinstated a free trade agreement with Israel, which had been suspended under Petro's leadership.
Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula attended the embassy's inauguration ceremony in West Jerusalem. He described the move as a step towards strengthening bilateral relations, asserting that diplomatic ties between the two nations “should never have been broken.” Bula further stated, “Israel is a strategic partner. It always has been, and from now on, it will be an even stronger one,” adding that the embassy opening represented “a concrete step towards fully restoring bilateral relations.”
The inauguration drew strong condemnation from Palestinian officials, who warned that the decision undermined international law and damaged Colombia's longstanding diplomatic position on the Palestinian cause. Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry also criticized the move, calling it a “blatant violation of international law and relevant international resolutions.”
