Colombia recognizes Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights

BOGOTÁ, Colombia — Colombia's Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that it has officially recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Syrian Golan Heights. In a written statement, the ministry cited ongoing instability in the region and the strategic importance of the Golan Heights for Israel's security. The ministry also affirmed Israel's right to defend itself against external threats and described Israeli control over the area as a fundamental element of its capacity to protect its citizens. It said the decision was taken under an agreement reached on August 8, one day after President Abelardo de la Espriella took office. Israel occupied the Golan Heights during the 1967 war and effectively annexed the territory in 1981 by applying its own laws. UN Security Council Resolution 497, adopted that year, declared the annexation null and void under international law. The United States formally recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights in March 2019 under President Donald Trump. Colombia becomes the second country after the United States to take such a step. No further details on the agreement between Bogotá and Jerusalem were immediately available.