Colombia’s incoming government is preparing to reverse one of the most significant foreign policy shifts of President Gustavo Petro’s administration by restoring full diplomatic relations with Israel, halting plans to open an embassy in Palestine, and advancing the relocation of Colombia’s embassy to occupied Jerusalem.

The changes, announced by President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, mark a dramatic departure from Petro’s pro-Palestinian foreign policy and signal Colombia’s return to its traditional alignment with Israel and the United States.

De la Espriella announced that his administration will suspend the opening of Colombia’s embassy in Palestine, arguing that the diplomatic mission “never actually became operational.” The decision forms part of a broader restructuring of Colombia’s foreign policy that includes closing several embassies and consulates while consolidating diplomatic missions abroad.

The embassy initiative had been launched under Petro following Colombia’s recognition of the State of Palestine and his government’s decision to establish a permanent diplomatic presence there.

Instead, De la Espriella said his government will open Colombia’s embassy to Israel in Jerusalem—a move that would reverse Petro’s diplomatic initiative and represent one of the most consequential changes in Colombia’s Middle East policy in decades.

VIDEO | President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella overhauls Colombian diplomacy, prioritizing Israel and the US Colombia’s newly elected president, Abelardo de la Espriella, announced a drastic shift in foreign policy by suspending the mission in Palestine and opening an embassy… pic.twitter.com/vtOKDYNvX9 — The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) July 27, 2026

VIDEO | President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella overhauls Colombian diplomacy, prioritizing Israel and the US

Colombia’s newly elected president, Abelardo de la Espriella, announced a drastic shift in foreign policy by suspending the mission in Palestine and opening an embassy… pic.twitter.com/vtOKDYNvX9

— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) July 27, 2026

The incoming administration has already begun laying the groundwork for renewed relations with Israel. Colombia’s designated foreign minister, Omar Bola Escobar, met Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in Washington, where both sides agreed to restore diplomatic relations once De la Espriella assumes office........

© Middle East Monitor