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Under Petro, Colombia emerged as one of Israel’s harshest critics in the Western Hemisphere, severing diplomatic relations with Jerusalem in 2024 and opening an embassy in Ramallah.
By United with Israel Staff
Colombia’s presidential election could have major implications for the country’s future relationship with Israel after a right-wing candidate who supports restoring closer ties with Jerusalem finished first in the opening round of voting.
With more than 99% of ballots counted, conservative outsider Abelardo de la Espriella won roughly 44% of the vote, ahead of left-wing Senator Iván Cepeda, who received about 41%. Because neither candidate secured an outright majority, the race will head to a runoff election on June 21.
The outcome sets up a stark choice for Colombian voters and could determine whether the country continues the anti-Israel policies pursued under President Gustavo Petro or moves to rebuild relations with the Jewish state.
Under Petro, Colombia became one of Israel’s most vocal critics in the Western Hemisphere. In 2024, his government severed diplomatic relations with Israel, opened an embassy in Ramallah, joined South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, and repeatedly accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.
Cepeda, a leading figure in Petro’s political camp and a member of the left-wing Historic Pact coalition, is widely expected to continue that approach if elected. He has repeatedly condemned Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and echoed accusations against the Jewish state that have become common among Latin America’s far-left governments.
De la Espriella has taken the opposite position. The lawyer and political outsider, popularly known as “El Tigre” (“The Tiger”), has advocated strengthening ties with both Israel and the United States while pursuing a tougher approach to security and organized crime.
His first-round victory was welcomed in Israel. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar congratulated de la Espriella on social media, writing, “I congratulate my friend El Tigre on his victory in the first round of Colombia’s presidential election. Good luck in the next round. Strength for the homeland!”
Beyond foreign policy, the candidates differ sharply on how to address Colombia’s worsening security situation. Cepeda is associated with the “Total Peace” strategy championed by Petro, which emphasizes negotiations with armed groups and criminal organizations. Critics argue the policy has coincided with rising violence, expanding cartel activity, and record levels of cocaine production.
De la Espriella has called for a far more aggressive response, including closer cooperation with the United States, expanded military operations against criminal organizations, and sweeping security reforms aimed at restoring state control over lawless regions.
The campaign has unfolded amid significant political violence, including kidnappings, drone attacks, assassinations, and an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate last year. Petro has also questioned the initial election results and alleged irregularities without providing evidence.
For Israel, however, the runoff could represent something even more significant: the possibility of reversing one of the most dramatic diplomatic ruptures in Latin America. A victory by de la Espriella would likely open the door to renewed ties between Jerusalem and Bogotá after two years of steadily deteriorating relations under Petro’s government.
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