Bogota: Israel, a significant supplier of weaponry to the Colombian military, announced on Sunday that it was ceasing its security exports to the South American nation due to objections over its president’s comments regarding the conflict with Hamas.
Following a recent aggressive attack by the militant group on Israel, President Gustavo Petro made a series of statements on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), expressing support for the people of Gaza. In one of his posts, Colombia’s first leftist president likened Israel’s retaliatory actions in Gaza to the Nazi persecution of Jews.
Reacting to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s announcement of a “complete siege” of Gaza, where he referred to the combatants as “animals,” Petro drew a parallel, saying, “This is what the Nazis said of the Jews.” He further claimed that democratic nations must prevent a resurgence of Nazism in international politics.
On Sunday, Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Lior Haiat disclosed that Colombia’s ambassador to Israel, Margarita Manjarrez, had been summoned over Petro’s “hostile and anti-Semitic statements.” The president’s remarks were met with “surprise,” said Haiat, who accused Petro of endorsing the actions of Hamas terrorists, fueling anti-Semitism, harming the reputation of the State of Israel, and jeopardizing the peace of the Jewish community in Colombia.
Colombia’s foreign ministry initially issued a statement strongly condemning terrorism and attacks against Israeli civilians while expressing solidarity with the victims. However, the link to that statement was later deactivated, and a revised statement of condemnation was released without mentioning “terrorism.”
Colombia’s armed forces, engaged in a long-standing conflict involving leftist guerrillas, right-wing paramilitaries, and drug cartels, have relied on Israeli arms and aircraft. During the presidency of right-wing leader Alvaro Uribe, Colombia had strong relations and cooperation with Israel and the United States.
In response to Haiat’s statement, Petro stated that his country does not support “genocide” and added that they would be willing to suspend foreign relations with Israel if necessary.
Source: AFP
