Turkey Condemns Colombia’s Recognition of Israeli Sovereignty Over the Golan Heights

Turkey condemned the decision by Colombia’s new government to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, calling the move an attempt to “legitimize Israel’s occupation” of the territory.

Shortly after conservative leader Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as Colombia’s president on Friday, Colombia became only the second country to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

Israel captured the territory from Syria during the 1967 Middle East war and annexed it in 1981.

The United States was the first country to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights during President Donald Trump’s first term, reversing longstanding U.S. policy.

However, the United Nations recognizes the Golan Heights as part of Syrian territory.