Colombian President Gustavo Petro has issued a strong warning to Israel, threatening to sever diplomatic relations if the country does not comply with a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. The resolution was celebrated by Petro, who urged other nations to follow suit and suspend ties with Israel until it halts its military offensive in Gaza.
Israel, in response, has vowed to continue protecting its people and resist any external pressures or threats. The Foreign Ministry accused Petro of supporting Hamas terrorists and criticized his stance on the conflict as a 'disgrace to the Colombian people'.
The escalating tensions mark a significant downturn in the once close relationship between Colombia and Israel. Historically, the two nations have been military and commercial partners, with Colombia relying on Israeli weaponry to combat drug cartels and rebel groups.
However, since Petro's election in 2022, relations have soured. The President, a vocal advocate for the Palestinian cause, has condemned Israel's actions in Gaza as 'genocide' and suspended military purchases from the country following a deadly incident involving Palestinian civilians.
Israel, in turn, halted defense cooperation with Colombia after Petro's failure to denounce a Hamas raid on Israeli villages and his controversial comparison of Israeli military tactics to those of Nazi troops.
The rift between the two nations has raised concerns among military analysts in Colombia, who warn that the country's defense capabilities could be compromised. Colombia heavily relies on Israeli companies for the maintenance of its fleet of Kfir jets and military communications equipment.
Additionally, Colombia produces assault rifles under license from an Israeli manufacturer, highlighting the extent of the military ties between the two countries that are now at risk due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
