Colombia Cuts Ties with Israel, Citing 'Genocide' in Gaza

Colombia officially severed diplomatic relations with Israel on Thursday, May 3, 2024, in response to what Colombian President Gustavo Petro called Israel's "genocide" in its military campaign in Gaza. The move follows similar decisions by Bolivia and Belize to cut ties with Israel. However, consular services will continue to operate in Tel Aviv and Bogota despite the diplomatic break.

Why this matters: This diplomatic break has significant implications for Colombia's security and economy, since the country relies heavily onIsraeli military equipment and technology. The move may also have a ripple effect on regional relations and global diplomacy, as other countries consider their own stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The decision carries significant implications for Colombia's security, with the country's military heavily relying on Israeli-built warplanes, machine guns, and cybersecurity assistance to combat drug cartels and rebel groups. Colombia's fighter jet fleet, which includes over 20 Israeli-made Kfir jets, requires maintenance that can only be performed by anIsraeli firm. The Colombian military also uses Israeli-designed Galil rifles.

The Colombian Foreign Ministry stated that all communications related to the announcement will be conducted through established official channels and will not be made public. Defense Minister Iván Velásquez announced that while existing contracts with Israel will be fulfilled, including maintenance for the Kfir fighters and a missile system contract, no new contracts will be signed. A "transition" committee has been formed to explore diversifying suppliers and reduce Colombia's dependence on Israel.

The diplomatic break may also affect trade relations between the two countries. A free trade agreement between Colombia and Israel, which went into effect in August 2020, saw Israel purchasing 1% of Colombia's total exports, including coal, coffee, and flowers. Exports to Israel in 2023 amounted to $499 million, a significant 53% drop from the previous year. Colombia's imports from Israel include electrical equipment, plastics, and fertilizers. The impact of the diplomatic feud on the trade agreement remains uncertain.

Colombia and Israel have maintained diplomatic relations since 1957, with numerous agreements on education, trade, and security matters. The close security cooperation between the two countries has been a source of tension in recent months. Israel previously halted security exports to Colombia after President Petro refused to condemn Hamas' attack on southern Israel. In February 2024, Petro announced the suspension of arms purchases from Israel.

Retired Gen. Guillermo León, former commander of the Colombian air force, emphasized the potential impact on Colombia's military capabilities, stating, "At the end of the year, maintenance and spare parts run out, and from then on, the fleet would rapidly enter a condition where we would no longer have the means to sustain it." The decision to cut diplomatic ties raises concerns about how Colombia will maintain its military equipment and combat drug cartels and rebel groups without Israeli support.

As Colombia confronts this diplomatic crisis, the country faces the challenge of balancing its security needs with its condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza. The establishment of a transition committee to diversify suppliers reflects Colombia's efforts to reduce its reliance on Israel. However, finding alternative sources for military equipment maintenance and cybersecurity assistance may prove difficult. The long-term consequences of this diplomatic break on Colombia's security, trade, and regional relations will likely become apparent in the coming months and years.

Key Takeaways

• Colombia severs diplomatic ties with Israel over Gaza military campaign.
• Colombia's military relies heavily on Israeli equipment and technology.
• No new contracts with Israel, existing ones to be fulfilled, then diversified.
• Diplomatic break may affect trade relations and free trade agreement.
• Colombia faces challenge of balancing security needs with condemnation of Israel.