Israeli rescue team arrives in Colombia after deadly earthquake
The mission comes as Jerusalem and Bogotá move to restore ties under Colombia's new government following years of strained relations
An Israeli rescue team arrived in Cali, Colombia, on Friday to assist search and relief efforts following the powerful earthquake that has killed hundreds of people across the country's west.
The delegation, sent at the direction of Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, was met by an advance team from the Foreign Ministry that had been coordinating with Colombian authorities ahead of its arrival.
Foreign Ministry representative Alon Lavie and IDF rescue unit commander Brig. Gen. Yossi Pinto began assessing the situation and identifying sites where the Israeli team could assist. Rescue and humanitarian operations were expected to begin later Friday.
The 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, with its epicenter in the Chocó department, causing widespread destruction in Cali, Pereira and other cities. At least 285 people have been killed, nearly 4,000 injured and around 400 remain missing, according to Colombian authorities.
The Israeli mission comes as relations between Jerusalem and Bogotá undergo a sharp reversal following the inauguration of President Abelardo De La Espriella last week. His predecessor, Gustavo Petro, severed diplomatic relations with Israel in May 2024 over the war in Gaza. De La Espriella, who won Colombia's June presidential election, pledged to restore ties, and the two countries agreed in July to renew full diplomatic and economic relations.
Israel has since appointed Vivian Eisen as its new ambassador to Colombia. She is expected to arrive in the country on Monday and join the Israeli rescue delegation.