Colombian President Severs Ties with Israel, Accuses Country of 'Genocide'

In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced that his government will break diplomatic relations with Israel effective Thursday. The move comes amid ongoing tensions between the two countries over Israel's military actions in Gaza, which Petro has repeatedly condemned as "genocide."

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has made good on his threat, severing diplomatic relations with Israel in a major escalation of tensions between the two countries. The decision, announced on Wednesday during an International Workers' Day march in Bogota, is the latest blow to Israel's relations with South America, following its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

Petro has been a vocal critic of Israel's actions, characterizing them as "genocide" and comparing them to those of Nazi Germany. He has also suspended purchases of weapons from Israel and recalled Colombia's ambassador to the country.

In his speech to supporters, Petro asserted that "tomorrow, diplomatic relations with the State of Israel will be broken ... for having a genocidal president." He went on to declare, "If Palestine dies, humanity dies, and we are not going to let it die."

Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz wasted no time in rebuking Petro's comments, accusing him of siding with "the most despicable monsters known to mankind." Katz vowed that Israel would continue to defend its citizens "without worry and without fear."

The breakdown in relations between Colombia and Israel is a significant development, given their historically close ties. Colombia has been one of Israel's closest partners in Latin America, relying on Israeli-built warplanes and machine guns to combat drug cartels and rebel groups.

In the late 1980s, Colombia purchased Kfir fighter jets from Israel, which were used to devastating effect in attacks on guerrilla camps. These attacks helped push the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) into peace talks that eventually led to its disarmament in 2016.

However, relations between the two countries have cooled since Petro, Colombia's first leftist president, was elected in 2022. Petro has been critical of Israel's human rights record and its treatment of the Palestinians.

In addition to breaking diplomatic ties, Petro also announced that he would propose a bill to the Colombian Congress to give legal status to the Palestinian state. The move was met with strong opposition from Israel, which called it a "grave mistake."

The escalation in tensions between Colombia and Israel is a worrying development, as it further isolates Israel in the international community. The conflict in Gaza has already drawn widespread condemnation, and Petro's decision to sever diplomatic ties is a clear indication that the international community is losing patience with Israel's actions.

It remains to be seen how Israel will respond to Colombia's decision. However, it is clear that the relationship between the two countries has been irreparably damaged, and it is likely to be some time before it can be rebuilt.