The Colombian Ministry of Trade recommended that the Commission on Customs Duties and International Trade Restrictions impose a ban on the supply of coal to Israel until the end of hostilities in the Gaza Strip.
Colombia is currently the largest supplier of coal to Israel ($450 million per year), but the Israel Coal Company, which supplies coal to Israeli power plants, does not buy it from Colombia, but from international traders.
In addition, Israel has significant strategic coal reserves. Therefore, this move by Colombia, which would be a violation of the free trade agreement and a reason to appeal to the World Trade Organization, will not affect the Israeli electricity market.
It is worth noting that Israel should have completely abandoned coal power plants, but the transition to gas is behind schedule and should be completed in the next couple of years.
Colombia, under the leadership of President Gustavo Petro, who in his youth was part of the radical left-wing guerrilla group April 19 Movement, and in 2022 became the country’s first president representing left-wing movements, takes an extremely anti-Israel position.