Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that an aid delegation would be immediately dispatched to Colombia. Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella requested that Israel send an aid delegation to Colombia.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 occurred in Colombia on Monday, August 10, 2026. The earthquake killed at least 250 people. The earthquake caused widespread destruction in cities including Pereira and Cali.

The earthquake damaged a historic cathedral in the city of Manizales. Emergency teams, police, soldiers, and volunteers are conducting search and rescue operations in the affected areas.

Why It Matters

The dispatch of an Israeli aid delegation to Colombia follows a significant diplomatic development between the two nations. On the same day the earthquake struck, Colombia recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, becoming only the second country to do so after the United States in 2019. This recognition occurred as part of broader efforts by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who designated 2026 as the 'Year of Latin America' to improve relations with South American countries. The aid response demonstrates the practical application of these strengthening ties during a humanitarian crisis that has killed at least 250 people and caused widespread destruction.

Timeline

On January 1, 2026, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar designated 2026 as the 'Year of Latin America' as part of an initiative to improve relations with South American countries. On August 3, 2026, PureSource News reported on 2026-08-03: Iran Blockades Strait of Hormuz Following U.S. and Israeli Strikes. On Monday, August 10, 2026, Colombia recognized Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights in a statement released by the Colombian Foreign Ministry on Monday, August 10, 2026.

Also on August 10, 2026, the Colombian Foreign Ministry stated that recognizing Israeli control over the Golan Heights is 'an essential component of its national defense and its ability to protect and safeguard its citizens.' An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 occurred in Colombia on Monday, August 10, 2026. The earthquake killed at least 250 people. The earthquake caused widespread destruction in cities including Pereira and Cali. The earthquake damaged a historic cathedral in the city of Manizales.

What's New

In 2026, Colombia became the second country to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, following the United States in 2019. PureSource News reported on 2026-08-03: Iran Blockades Strait of Hormuz Following U.S. and Israeli Strikes. Israel is located in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan and is classified by the World Bank as a high income economy.

PureSource News previously reported: Colombia Earthquake Damages Airports, Injures Residents in Chocó. PureSource News previously reported: Israeli Aid Delegation Continues Relief Work In Venezuela. PureSource News previously reported: Israel Prepares an Aid Delegation for Venezuela Earthquakes. Apart from the United States and Colombia, no other UN member state has formally recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.