JPOST
Israeli technology could halt Colombia’s drug traffickers as relations improve between the nations
Gabriel Colodro
August 2, 2026

Colombia’s incoming president, Abelardo de la Espriella, is preparing to reverse nearly every major element of Gustavo Petro’s Israel policy after taking office on August 7. His government says it will restore full diplomatic and economic relations with Israel, exchange ambassadors, lift visa requirements, pursue a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem, and withdraw Colombia’s intervention in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.  Security could provide the most substantial area of renewed cooperation. Before the diplomatic break, Israel supplied Colombia with military equipment and security technology. De la Espriella has said he wants access to new weapons, drones, and artificial intelligence from Israel and the United States. Alberto Spektorowski, a lecturer in political science at Tel Aviv University, said Israeli technology could assist Colombia in addressing narcotics trafficking, organized crime, and armed groups operating in parts of the country. READ MORE