A tense diplomatic feud has erupted between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with each publicly criticizing the other.
Petro deflected accusations of supporting Hamas and condemned Israel’s military operations in Gaza as genocidal, prompting Netanyahu to label him an “antisemitic supporter of Hamas.”
In retaliation, Petro called for an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court against Netanyahu for alleged war crimes, citing civilian casualties in Gaza.
The Colombian Foreign Ministry has stood behind Petro, rejecting Netanyahu’s claims and emphasizing Colombia’s commitment to peace and international cooperation.
This dispute exposes a broader conflict over the narrative surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Background
Amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Petro cut diplomatic ties with Israel, citing their genocidal actions as the reason.
During a rally for social reform, Petro highlighted the impact of the Gaza war on children and reiterated Colombia’s support for Palestine, vowing to keep global attention on the issue.
Petro had hinted at this diplomatic shift since October 2023, warning of a potential rift in relations if Israel did not comply with ceasefire agreements.