Colombia’s apparent election of Abelardo “The Tiger” de la Espriella could mark a dramatic pro-Israel turn in Latin America after years of hostility under Gustavo Petro.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar congratulated de la Espriella on his victory, writing that “the Tiger won, Colombia won,” and invited the president-elect to visit Israel.
Sa’ar said Jerusalem expects to work with the new Colombian leadership to revive relations between the two countries and bring them to an all-time high.
The most important issue for Israel may be the embassy. In November, after meeting Sa’ar, de la Espriella declared that in a government led by him, Colombia’s embassy would be moved to Jerusalem. He framed the move not only as a diplomatic gesture, but as part of a wider strategic alliance with Israel and the United States.