Gustavo Petro Condemns colombia’s Recognition of Israeli Sovereignty Over the Golan Heights

Former Colombian President Gustavo Petro has publicly condemned Bogotá’s decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights — and issued an apology to Syria, the Arab world, and Muslims worldwide.

In a statement posted on X, Petro rejected the legitimacy of the move, stressing that the Golan Heights remain Syrian territory under international law and that, in his view, the Colombian people do not consider the territory Israeli.

Petro’s main points:

• 🇸🇾 The Golan Heights are Syrian territory: Petro reaffirmed that the occupied territory cannot legitimately be treated as Israeli sovereign territory.

• 🇨🇴 Colombian public opinion: He argued that the majority of Colombians reject the recognition granted by the current administration.

• 💻 Foreign interference allegations: Petro accused foreign actors of influencing Colombia’s electoral process through algorithms and cyber operations, alleging the use of Israeli-backed software.

• 🤝 Formal apology: Petro apologized, in his capacity as former president, to Syria, the Arab world, Muslims, and the international community for the current government’s decision.

The Bigger Issue

The move places Bogotá alongside Washington’s controversial 2019 recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights — a position rejected by the UN and the overwhelming international consensus.

UN Security Council Resolution 497 explicitly considers Israel’s 1981 annexation of the Golan

“null and void and without international legal effect.”

The political significance therefore goes far beyond Colombia.

For much of the Global South, the Golan Heights remains a test of whether the principle of territorial integrity and the prohibition of acquiring territory by force applies universally — or only when politically convenient.

The question now is blunt:

Is Bogotá recognizing a legal reality — or legitimizing the permanent annexation of territory seized through war?