Lead
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has begun a diplomatic visit to South America, with stops in Ecuador and Colombia, according to the Jerusalem Post. The visit is part of Israel’s efforts to strengthen its diplomatic engagement across Latin America and follows a period of strained ties with Colombia.
Sa’ar arrived in the region on Wednesday, with official meetings planned with government leaders and senior officials. He is scheduled to participate in Friday’s inauguration ceremony of Colombia’s President Abelardo de la Espriella, representing the State of Israel. During the inauguration events, he is expected to hold bilateral meetings with political leaders from across the continent.
Coverage Comparison
The Jerusalem Post reported on the visit in two articles. The first, published on August 6, 2026, highlighted Sa’ar’s arrival in Ecuador and Colombia, describing the trip as a “landmark” visit to Ecuador — the first by an Israeli foreign minister in 44 years, according to the Foreign Ministry. The second article, dated July 27, 2026, focused on the appointment of Vivian Aisen as Israel’s next ambassador to Colombia, framing it as part of Sa’ar’s efforts to “renew and restore” relations between the two countries.
Both articles drew on official sources, including statements from the Foreign Ministry and quotes from Sa’ar and Aisen. The tone was positive, emphasizing Israel’s “determined and systematic diplomatic efforts” to rebuild relationships in the region.
Key Claims
The visit includes official meetings and Sa’ar’s participation in Friday’s inauguration ceremony of Colombia’s President Abelardo de la Espriella, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.
The trip marks the first visit by an Israeli foreign minister to Ecuador in 44 years, according to the Foreign Ministry, as cited in the Jerusalem Post.
Colombia’s embassy in Israel will be relocated to Jerusalem, following an agreement between Sa’ar and Colombia’s designated foreign minister, Omar Bula Escobar, announced two weeks before the visit.
Vivian Aisen will serve as Israel’s next ambassador to Colombia, a decision approved unanimously by the Israeli government. Aisen previously served as ambassador to Macedonia and held roles at Israel’s embassies in London and Chile, as well as missions in Brussels and to the European Union.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro severed diplomatic ties with Israel in May 2024 over Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Israel and Colombia are expected to fully restore diplomatic relations following the inauguration of Colombia’s new president on August 7. The process will include the immediate appointment of ambassadors and the opening of a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem.
Lawmakers from Latin American countries signed a resolution supporting the expansion of the Isaac Accords and calling for greater regional cooperation with Israel, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.
Aisen, speaking on X/Twitter, expressed confidence that the two countries will “work together for the prosperity of our nations and the well-being of our peoples,” adding she is “eager and excited” to represent Israel in Colombia.
Sa’ar, speaking ahead of the visit, said Israel has made significant progress in rebuilding and expanding its relationships throughout Latin America, according to the Jerusalem Post.
Perspectives
Perspectives from named parties are limited in the provided material. Quotes from Aisen and Sa’ar reflect Israel’s official position on the strengthening of bilateral ties. No statements from Colombian officials or other Latin American leaders were included in the reports.