JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday celebrated the formal inauguration of Colombia’s embassy in Jerusalem, calling the move a powerful affirmation of shared values and a sign that “it’s all coming back.”

Speaking at the ceremony, Netanyahu framed the opening as more than a diplomatic milestone. He described it as the restoration of historic ties between Israel and Latin America, rooted in Judeo-Christian heritage and practical cooperation across security, agriculture, water technology, and artificial intelligence.

“You have no better friend than Israel,” Netanyahu told the Colombian delegation, underscoring the depth of the bilateral partnership. He emphasized that the new embassy in Jerusalem — the capital Israel has regarded as its undivided seat of government — represents a recognition of the Jewish people’s unbroken connection to the city for three millennia.

“Jerusalem has been the heart of the Jewish people for 3,000 years.”Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel

He closed his remarks with a concise summation of the moment: “Power and faith.”

The inauguration marks a significant shift in Colombia’s foreign policy under President Gustavo Petro’s predecessor and subsequent diplomatic recalibrations that have strengthened ties with Israel. Netanyahu portrayed the embassy opening as part of a broader regional realignment in which more Latin American nations are restoring or deepening relations with the Jewish state.

Where the partnership is expected to grow

Officials from both countries highlighted concrete areas of collaboration that the elevated diplomatic presence is expected to accelerate. Select a field below to see what was named.

The ceremony itself was staged as a celebration of mutual recognition. Israeli officials presented the embassy move as validation of Jerusalem’s status, while Colombian representatives described it as a practical step toward deeper economic and strategic partnership.

Netanyahu’s message was unambiguous: the inauguration is not an isolated event but evidence of a larger trend. “It’s all coming back,” he said, linking Colombia’s decision to a wider pattern of renewed support for Israel across the Western Hemisphere.

What comes next

With the embassy now open in Jerusalem, both governments signaled that the relationship will move beyond symbolism into expanded trade, technology transfer, and security coordination in the months ahead.