Colombia Recognises Israeli Sovereignty over Golan Heights

The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday (10/8) its recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, making it the second country in the world after the United States to grant such recognition.

“Given the ongoing regional instability in the Middle East and the importance of the Golan Heights to Israel’s security, the Colombian government recognises Israeli sovereignty over this territory, as well as the state’s right to defend itself from external threats,” the Colombian foreign ministry said.

The decision was issued in accordance with an agreement between Colombia and Israel on 8 August, a day after the inauguration of President Abelardo de la Espriella, according to the ministry.

The Golan Heights was part of Syria until 1967.

During the Six-Day War, Israeli forces occupied the territory, and after the Yom Kippur War (1973), the parties reached an agreement on a ceasefire and separation of forces.

In 1974, UN peacekeepers began to be deployed in the Golan Heights.

Then in March 2019, the United States, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, officially recognised the Golan Heights as Israeli territory.

This decision marked the first time a foreign country recognised Israeli sovereignty over the territory.

Following the US recognition in 2019, the majority of UN Security Council members expressed regret over the decision and reaffirmed their view of the Golan Heights as Syrian territory occupied by Israel.