Colombia faces backlash over Israeli and U.S. military presence

Following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake in southwest Colombia that resulted in approximately 300 deaths, President Abelardo de la Espriella has faced intense political backlash for authorizing the presence of foreign military forces.

Critics and legislators from the Pacto Histórico argue that the entry of 82 Israeli soldiers, designated for a humanitarian rescue mission, and the authorization of U.S. military maneuvers against narcoterrorism, violate national sovereignty. Opponents claim these decisions were made without the required approval from the Colombian Senate, which is the only body constitutionally authorized to permit foreign troops on national territory.

Political figures, including Representative Santiago Osorio and former Bogotá councilman Carlos Carrillo, have denounced the move. Osorio specifically criticized the link to the Israeli government, citing statements from Israeli officials regarding the conflict in Gaza, while Carrillo accused the delegation of using the tragedy for political purposes.