The government of Colombia has revoked a decree that prohibited the export of coal to Israel. The ban, which had been implemented by the administration in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, was officially lifted this week.

This policy change coincides with a significant shift in Colombia's foreign policy under President Abelardo de la Espriella. According to reports, the administration has moved to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, a territory previously considered occupied by the international community. This diplomatic pivot appears to be the primary driver behind the decision to resume coal shipments, which are a vital component of the trade relationship between the two nations.

While the previous administration had framed the coal ban as a moral stance against the military actions in Gaza, the current government has prioritized normalizing economic ties. The decision has sparked debate regarding the consistency of Colombia's foreign policy, particularly concerning the balance between human rights advocacy and strategic economic interests. The move marks a departure from the regional trend of Latin American countries distancing themselves from Israel over the Gaza conflict, signaling a potential realignment in Colombia's international alliances.