Colombia's Recognition of Israeli Sovereignty over the Golan Heights

Colombia’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, as announced by the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 10 August 2026, formally acknowledges Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which are Syrian territory under occupation. With this step, Colombia has become the second United Nations member state to recognize Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights, following the United States’ decision in 2019.^【1】 The decision was announced immediately after the inauguration of Colombia’s far-right President Abelardo de la Espriella and has been condemned by Syria, Türkiye, numerous Arab countries, regional and international organizations, and United Nations officials.

^{Kolombiya Cumhurbaşkanı Abelardo de la Espriella, 8 Ağustos 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared its statement via a social media platform on Monday 10 August 2026.^【2】 In the statement issued from its headquarters in Bogotá, the following was stated: "Taking into account the ongoing regional instability in the Middle East and the strategic importance of the Golan Heights for Israel’s security, the Government of Colombia recognizes Israel’s sovereignty over these territories and the right of this state to defend itself against external threats."^【3】

The statement further asserted: "For decades Israel has faced ongoing and existential security challenges along its borders. These threats have intensified markedly in recent years, reaching their peak with the horrific terrorist attacks of 7 October that revealed the severity and evolving nature of the dangers facing the Israeli people. Within this regional security context, Colombia acknowledges that Israel’s continued control and sovereignty over the Golan Heights is a fundamental component of this country’s national defense and its capacity to protect its citizens. With this decision, Colombia reaffirms its commitment to seeking a stable and lasting peace in the Middle East."^【4】

The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the announcement was issued in accordance with an agreement reached between the two countries on 8 August.

Israel seized the majority of the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War.^【5】 Syria attempted to reclaim the territory during the 1973 Arab-Israeli War but failed; the two countries signed a disengagement agreement in 1974.^【6】

In 1981, Israel effectively annexed the region by imposing its own laws, jurisdiction and administration over the Golan Heights.^【7】 The United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 497 in response, declaring Israel’s action "null and void and without international legal effect", calling on Israel to rescind its decision and affirming the continued applicability of the Fourth Geneva Convention to the occupied Syrian territories.^【8】

The vast majority of the international community has not recognized this annexation. The United States, during the first term of President Donald Trump, formally recognized Israel’s claim to the Golan Heights in 2019.^【9】 The United Nations continues to recognize the region as part of Syria, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres describing Israel’s occupation in June 2026 as "completely unacceptable".^【10】

Abelardo de la Espriella assumed office as President of Colombia on Friday 7 August 2026.^【11】 During his election campaign, de la Espriella pledged to strengthen ties with the United States and Israel as a tool to combat armed groups within Colombia.^【12】

De la Espriella’s predecessor, Gustavo Petro, criticized Israel’s war in Gaza during his term, severed diplomatic relations between the two countries, and halted arms imports from Israel. De la Espriella canceled Petro’s plan to open an embassy in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.^【13】

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced that he and de la Espriella reached an agreement on this step during talks in Barranquilla, Colombia, one day before de la Espriella’s inauguration.^【14】

On the same day the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced its recognition, a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia, killing at least 250 people and injuring dozens.

^{Kolombiya Cumhurbaşkanı Abelardo de la Espriella, 8 Ağustos 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar thanked de la Espriella, whom he described as a "good friend," for what he called a "historic" recognition. Saar stated that Israel would seek to persuade other governments to follow the examples of the United States and Colombia.^【15】

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye condemned Colombia’s decision to recognize "Israeli sovereignty" over the occupied Golan Heights. In a written statement issued on 11 August 2026, the ministry stated: "We strongly condemn Colombia’s statement aimed at legitimizing Israel’s occupation of the Golan Heights, which constitute an inseparable part of Syrian territory.""^【16】

The statement further emphasized that such unilateral efforts, which constitute a grave violation of international law, including UN Security Council Resolution 497, have no legal validity: "Such unilateral efforts, which constitute a grave violation of international law, including UN Security Council Resolution 497, have no legal validity."

The ministry also reiterated: "In this context, we reiterate our call on the international community to fulfill its responsibility to end Israel’s occupation of southern Syria, including the Golan Heights, and its attacks targeting Syria’s sovereignty and stability. Türkiye will continue to support the preservation of Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and the establishment of lasting peace and stability within the country."^【17】

The Syrian Arab Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates rejected Colombia’s statement, reiterating that the Golan Heights are an inseparable part of Syrian territory. The ministry stated that Colombia’s security justifications are incompatible with international law and relevant UN resolutions, and that Colombia’s statement cannot alter the legal status of the region or confer legitimacy on Israel’s occupation.^【18】

The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that Colombia’s statement constitutes a clear violation of the UN Charter and contradicts the position of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who affirms that the Golan Heights are Syrian territory. The ministry welcomed the growing international support for Syria’s sovereignty, condemned Israel’s attacks and incursions into Syrian territory, and affirmed its continued pursuit of diplomatic and legal avenues to recover its occupied lands.^【19】

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that Colombia’s decision violates international law and the UN Charter, particularly UN Security Council Resolution 497. The statement noted that such decisions do not contribute to peace but instead entrench the status quo and undermine peace efforts, and called on Colombia to reconsider its decision dated 10 August.^【20】

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed that assisting Israel in disregarding relevant UN resolutions, particularly Security Council Resolution 497 of 1981, will not change the facts, and affirmed that Israel’s imposition of law, jurisdiction and administration over the Golan Heights is null and void. Qatar also warned against unilateral decisions recognizing sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights.^【21】

The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, condemned Colombia’s decision, emphasizing that the occupied Golan Heights remain an inseparable part of Syrian territory under international law and UN Security Council Resolution 497. The ministry also condemned Israel’s attacks and incursions into Syrian territory and reaffirmed its support for Syria’s unity, sovereignty, security, stability and territorial integrity.^【22】

Egypt, categorically rejected Colombia’s decision as contrary to international law and as an interference with Syria’s rights over its territory. Egypt emphasized that Israel must withdraw from the occupied Golan Heights and stated that all decisions and measures aimed at consolidating the occupation or legitimizing annexation have no legal consequences.^【23】

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs, rejected the move as contrary to UN Security Council Resolution 497 and reaffirmed its position that the Golan Heights are Syrian territory under occupation.^【24】

The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a similar statement, emphasizing that no party has the right to alter the legal status of the Golan Heights or confer legitimacy on the occupation, and warned that recognizing sovereignty over occupied territory sets a dangerous precedent.^【25】

The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, categorically rejected Colombia’s decision and reaffirmed that the occupied Golan Heights remain an inseparable part of Syrian territory.^【26】

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, strongly condemned the decision, describing it as a clear violation of international law, the UN Charter and international legitimacy resolutions. The Libyan Government of National Unity and the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, declared the decision contrary to UN Security Council resolutions and warned that such moves would increase tensions in the region. The Yemeni Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the decision and affirmed its full solidarity with Syria.^【27】The Arab League announced its rejection of Colombia’s statement, emphasizing that the announcement has no legal effect, carries no weight in determining the status of the Golan Heights or sovereignty over them, and that sovereignty cannot be acquired through occupation. The Arab League called on the Colombian government to revoke its decision.^【28】

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Qasim Muhammad Al-Budeywi strongly condemned Colombia’s decision, stressing that any decision or recognition that disregards international resolutions and realities is unacceptable and negatively impacts peace and security efforts in the region.^【29】

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General Hussein Ibrahim Taha issued the strongest condemnation of Colombia’s statement, stating that it constitutes a clear violation of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 497, and called on the Colombian government to retract its recognition decision.^【30】

UN Secretary-General’s Assistant Special Representative for Syria Claudio Cordone emphasized that the recognition in Colombia’s statement constitutes a clear violation of international law. In a social media post, Cordone stated: "As UN Secretary-General António Guterres confirmed in Damascus just days ago, the Golan Heights are Syrian territory under occupation. Colombia’s acceptance of Israel’s annexation of this territory is a direct violation of international law."^【31】

Colombia’s recognition decision was announced at a time when Israel has expanded its military presence in Syria following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024. Israel has deployed troops into the UN-monitored buffer zone and seized strategic areas on the Syrian side, including Mount Hermon (Jabal al-Shaykh), which overlooks the capital Damascus.^【32】

The day after Colombia’s announcement, on Tuesday 11 August 2026, an Israeli military unit consisting of six armored vehicles advanced toward Saide al-Golan in southern Quneitra countryside through the Tal Abu Gaysar crossing; an Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle was reported flying over the area.^【33】

Israeli forces repeatedly enter Syrian villages, establish temporary checkpoints, stop and search civilians and vehicles, and carry out arrests. Israel also continues to hold positions beyond the 1974 Disengagement Agreement line.^【34】

Israeli senior officials have stated their forces will remain in their positions within Syria. The Damascus administration has condemned these deployments as violations of Syrian sovereignty and the 1974 Agreement and demands the full withdrawal of Israeli forces.