Petro apologises to Arab countries and Muslims as Colombia backs Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights

Former President of Colombia Gustavo Petro has apologised to Arab countries and Muslims following the new government’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights.Colombia’s government formally recognised Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights on August 10, marking a major change in the country’s position on the disputed territory just days after President Abelardo de la Espriella took office.The announcement quickly drew condemnation from governments across the Arab world, including Qatar, whose Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a detailed statement rejecting the decision.Qatar said Colombia’s recognition would not change the status of the Golan Heights as occupied Arab territory and cited UN Security Council Resolution 497 of 1981. It also said Israel’s imposition of its laws, jurisdiction and administration over the territory remained “null and void” and had no legal effect.The ministry reiterated Qatar’s position that Israel should comply with international law and withdraw from occupied Arab territories, including the Golan Heights. It also warned that unilateral decisions recognising Israeli sovereignty over the territory would be a major obstacle to achieving peace in the region.Petro shortly responded directly to Qatar’s statement on X. Reposting the Foreign Ministry’s post, he wrote that “the Colombian people do not consider, for now, that the Golan Heights belong to Israel” and said Colombia had historically regarded the territory as Syrian. He then apologised, “as former president of Colombia,” to Arab countries and Muslims “that Colombia respects” over the decision taken by his successor’s government.Petro also used the post to accuse Israel of using software to influence Colombia’s presidential election and help bring De la Espriella to power, without presenting evidence for the claim. He also described the new president as closely aligned with the governments of Israel and the United States.El pueblo de Colombia no considera, por ahora, que los altos del Golán sean de Israel, siempre se ha considerado, como la mayoría de la humanidad, que los altos del Golán son de Siria.Pero Israel uso sus softwares para afectar elecciones y reemplazar el voto popular con… https://t.co/z1rzq1Urwm— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) August 14, 2026 The Golan Heights is internationally regarded as Syrian territory, while most of the area remains under Israeli control. Colombia now joins the United States among the small number of countries that recognise Israeli sovereignty over it.Colombia’s government has defended the move on security grounds, arguing that Israeli control over the Golan Heights is important to Israel’s security amid continued instability in the region. Israel welcomed the announcement.The Golan Heights decision comes as De la Espriella moves to rebuild Colombia’s relationship with Israel after Petro cut diplomatic ties in 2024 over Gaza. His government is now restoring full relations and moving forward with plans to relocate Colombia’s embassy to Jerusalem.The move also reflects a very different foreign policy approach from Petro’s. De la Espriella has recognised Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, frozen ties with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, and announced the closure of 14 embassies and 15 consulates, including several in Africa, showing how quickly Colombia’s diplomatic priorities are changing under the new government.