Israel sends aid delegation to Colombia in aftermath of earthquake that killed at least 250 people

Following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Colombia on Monday that killed at least 250 people and damaged cities like Pereira, Cali, and Manizales, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Wednesday that Israel would immediately dispatch an aid delegation. This decision came after a request from Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella. The aid effort is part of a broader initiative by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar to improve relations with South American countries, with 2026 designated as the “Year of Latin America.” This development follows Colombia's recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights on Monday, which its Foreign Ministry stated was “an essential component of its national defense.”