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Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Israel to send aid team to Colombia following deadly earthquake
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleLazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
Israel is sending an aid delegation to assist Colombia in recovery efforts after a deadly earthquake hit the country, says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Colombia’s new President Abelardo De La Espriella requested assistance from Israel.
A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 100 people and injuring hundreds more. Israel offered aid on the same day.
“Israel sends its condolences to the families of those killed in the disaster, and will offer a range of assistance to Colombia,” says the PMO.
In June, Israel sent an aid delegation to Venezuela, which provided professional assistance to the country’s emergency response and recovery efforts after two earthquakes hit the country.
Last week, the pro-Israel lawyer De la Espriella was inaugurated as president, and he has pledged to move the Colombian embassy to Jerusalem and restore once-vibrant ties, which soured during the Gaza war under former president Gustavo Petro. The inauguration was attended by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, amid a push for closer relations with Latin America.
Colombia also recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights on Monday.
The Times of Israel Community.