The war of words between Colombia and Israel started a week ago when Colombian president Gustavo Petro refused to condemn the Hamas raid on Israel, in which militants killed hundreds of civilians in their homes.
Photo: EFE
The Latin American Post Staff
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Leer en español: Cancillería de Colombia aclara que no ha expulsado al Embajador de Israel.
The Ambassador of Israel has not been expelled from Colombia, clarified the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Peace, Álvaro Leyva, via X, before Twitter, after President Gustavo Petro published on his account that he was willing to suspend foreign relations with Tel Aviv this Sunday.
"The history of universal diplomacy will record as a milestone the senseless rudeness of the Israeli Ambassador in Colombia towards @petrogustavo, President of the Republic. Shame. At the very least, he should apologize and leave. Intelligence is confronted with intelligence. States are at play," Leyva posted on Monday before toning down and clarifying that the Ambassador of Israel has not been expelled.
Also read: What Diplomatic Implications Do Gustavo Petro's Statements Have About Israel And Hamas?
Respectful Relations and International Law
"Furthermore… Relations with Israel will be maintained if that is what this country wishes. Our constitutional principles teach us and mandate us to respect international law. This should be a two-way street. Respectful relations between states are always welcome," Leyva emphasized.
After several publications by the Colombian President, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Lior Haiat, commented on the matter and said that Israel condemns Petro's statements, which reflect support for the atrocities committed by Hamas terrorists.
In response to Petro's statements, Israel has decided to suspend military exports to Colombia over its president's criticism of the Gaza siege.
Impact on Bilateral Relations
Colombia uses Israeli-built warplanes and firearms to fight drug cartels and rebel groups, and both countries also signed a free trade agreement in 2020. However, the two nations have been less aligned since Petro took office last year as Colombia's first leftist President.
