Colombia becomes second country to recognize Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights, joining US

Jerusalem Post/Israel NewsBogota says it recognizes Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights as an 'essential component of its national defense' • Sa'ar: Decision demonstrates Colombian president's 'commitment to Israel'Follow us on Google A supporter of Israel holds flags during a protest, following Hamas' biggest attack on Israel in years, in Bogota, Colombia October 9, 2023.(photo credit: REUTERS/LUISA GONZALEZ)ByGOLDIE KATZAUGUST 10, 2026 19:22Updated: AUGUST 10, 2026 19:52Colombia has recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, the country’s Foreign Ministry announced on Monday.In a statement post on X/Twitter, the ministry stated that it recognizes Israeli control over the area as “an essential component of its national defense and its ability to protect and safeguard its citizens."The recognition resulted from a commitment made by both Israel and Colombia on Saturday, the ministry said.In its declaration, Bogota became only the second UN member state to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the territory captured from Syria in 1967 and effectively annexed by Israel in 1981, after the United States recognized Israeli sovereignty in 2019 during US President Donald Trump’s first term in office.An Israeli flag flutters at the Tel Saki Memorial Site, in the Golan Heights, northern Israel, October 11, 2024 (credit: MICHAEL GILADI/FLASH90)Gideon Sa'ar: Colombia demonstrated 'commitment to Israel' in declarationForeign Minister Gideon Sa’ar thanked Colombian President Álvaro de la Espriella for the move and Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bola Escobar for his cooperation on the matter."Israel is a small country without strategic depth. Defensible borders are essential to ensure the continued existence of the Jewish people in their historic homeland," the foreign minister wrote on his social media accounts. "I will continue working to see more countries join the United States, under President Trump’s leadership, and Colombia, under President de la Espriella’s leadership, in recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan, to which Israeli law was extended 45 years ago."Sa’ar also praised the recognition as a show of the newly-elected Espriella’s leadership, values, and commitment to Israel, coming in the wake of the foreign minister’s recent visit to South America.This is a developing story.Follow us on Google