The recognition of Israel’s sovereignty in the Golan complicates Colombia with Arab countries

In the Spanish media the move has already been defined as a “diplomatic crisis with Arab countries”, while in Colombia itself the wave of condemnations that came from Damascus, Riyadh, Cairo, Doha and other countries are widely reported.

The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on August 10 that the government recognizes Israeli sovereignty in the Golan, citing the “ongoing regional instability in the Middle East” and the strategic importance of the plateau for Israel’s security. In doing so, Colombia became the second country member of the United Nations, after the United States, to recognize Israel’s sovereignty in the region.

Syria also strongly attacked the decision. The Foreign Ministry in Damascus stated that the Golan is an “integral part” of Syria’s territory and that the country will use diplomatic and legal means to protect its sovereignty. Qatar, Kuwait and Iraq also joined in the condemnations, and the Gulf Cooperation Council defined the Colombian recognition as “null”.

In the Colombian media, including “Semana” and Caracol Radio, it was emphasized that the decision placed Colombia in front of a broad coalition of Arab and Muslim countries.

However, to date there have been no reports of returning ambassadors, severing relations or economic punitive measures. For the time being, it is therefore a developing political and diplomatic crisis, the extent of which may depend on whether Bogota will continue with additional pro-Israeli measures, chief among them moving the embassy to Jerusalem.