Colombia Cuts Diplomatic Relations with Israel

Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on Thursday, May 2, the severance of diplomatic relations with Israel due to its military operations in Gaza. According to the Associated Press, Petro described Israel's actions as 'genocide.' This decision comes at a time when the Colombian military is dependent on Israel for military support, and this lack of cooperation could challenge Colombia's security situation. Gustavo Petro, a staunch critic of Israel's war against Hamas, stated on Wednesday, May 1, during a speech at International Workers' Day celebrations, that diplomatic relations with the Israeli government would be cut due to its involvement in genocide. However, he did not mention the impacts of this severance. The Colombian president had previously criticized the military confrontation just days after Israel's attack on Gaza. At that time, he criticized the tone used by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to describe the residents of Gaza, likening it to the language used by Nazis regarding Jews. This provoked anger in Israel, leading it to halt the export of security products to Colombia, a major supplier of weapons to the Colombian military. Now, with Colombia cutting diplomatic relations with Israel, it can be imagined that there will be widespread repercussions for Bogotá and its military. The two countries signed a contract in 2020 under which the Colombian military used Israeli-made fighter jets and machine guns to combat drug cartels, rebel groups, and a free trade agreement between the two countries. However, the history of these relations dates back further to 1957, when dozens of agreements on various topics, including training and trade, were signed between the two countries. Retired General Guillermo León, former commander of the Colombian Air Force, told the Associated Press that if Petro's government violates its contractual obligations or even if it adheres to them but refrains from signing new contracts, the country's military capabilities will be affected. According to this report, the Colombian government has established a transitional committee seeking to diversify suppliers to avoid dependence on Israel.