Colombia’s newly appointed hard-right government recognized Israel‘s claim over the Golan Heights, which it captured from Syria in 1967.
The United States was until now the only country to recognize Israel’s annexation of the territory in 1981.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella took power on Friday, following a bombastic campaign during which he promised tight relations with the US and Israel as a way to combat armed groups in his own country.
His foreign ministry announced recognition of Israel’s claim on the same day that a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia, killing at least 111 people and injuring dozens more.
“The Government of Colombia recognizes Israeli sovereignty over this territory, as well as that State’s right to protect itself against external threats,” read a statement published on X.
“Colombia recognizes that maintaining Israel’s control and sovereignty over the Golan Heights is an essential component of its national defense,” it added.
The United Nations maintains that the plateau is Syrian territory under Israeli military occupation. (AFP)
