Colombia votes amid battle over ties with Israel

Colombians head to the polls on Sunday in a deeply divided presidential election that could determine whether the country restores relations with Israel or continues the anti-Israel policies of President Gustavo Petro.

Left-wing candidate Ivan Cepeda has pledged to maintain Petro’s stance after Colombia severed ties with Israel in 2024. Facing him are several pro-Israel candidates, including Abelardo De La Espriella, who has vowed to reopen a strategic alliance with Israel and establish a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem.

With polls pointing toward a runoff, the election is shaping up as a high-stakes battle over security, the economy, and Colombia’s future relationship with the Jewish state.

Abelardo De La EspriellaColombiademocracyelectionsGustavo PetroIvan Cepeda