Israel Imposes Arms Embargo on Colombia in Response to President Gustavo Petro's Pro-Gaza Statements

Tensions between Israel and Colombia have escalated to a critical juncture, with Israel imposing an embargo on the Colombian defense industry in response to President Gustavo Petro's expressions of support for the Palestinian group Hamas.

This diplomatic crisis unfolds against the backdrop of recent actions and statements by both nations.

On Monday, Colombia took a significant step by demanding the departure of Israel's ambassador from the South American country. Foreign Minister Alvaro Leyva stated that the Israeli envoy, Gali Dagan, should "at the very least, offer an apology and leave."

President Petro used his social media platform to declare the suspension of diplomatic ties with Israel following the Israeli government's sudden halt in the export of security materials to Colombia. Petro strongly condemned what he characterized as genocide and called for unwavering Latin American solidarity with Colombia during this pivotal moment.

Petro stated, "If we must sever foreign relations with Israel, we will do so. We do not support genocide. The President of Colombia cannot be insulted. I call on Latin America to show genuine solidarity with Colombia." He went on to make historical comparisons, referencing Israel's involvement in Colombia and pointing fingers at individuals whom he alleges are responsible for the Colombian conflict.

The situation further escalated as Israel ceased exporting howitzers and air defense systems, which Colombia had recently sought to procure. This abrupt suspension in the supply of these vital defense systems has left the financial aspects of the transaction in limbo.

In response to Petro's statements, Israel summoned Colombia's Ambassador to Tel Aviv, Margarita Menjarez, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Israeli Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen, expressed strong dissatisfaction with Petro's comments, labeling them as anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic. The Israeli government voiced concerns that Petro's statements could fuel anti-Semitism and pose a threat to the Jewish community in Colombia.

The war of words began when Petro, in one of his posts on social media, accused Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of using language about the people of Gaza that was reminiscent of what the "Nazis said of the Jews." He likened Israel's actions to those of Adolf Hitler's Nazis.

In response, Israel accused Petro of putting Jewish lives in danger and encouraging "the horrific acts of Hamas terrorists" with his "hostile and antisemitic statements."

Over the following days, Petro, who has refrained from strongly condemning the atrocities committed by Hamas, used social media as a platform to criticize Israel's military response. In one of his posts, he stated, "I've been to the Auschwitz concentration camp, and now I see it being replicated in Gaza."