[REVISION HISTORY]

Israeli military presence in Colombia following earthquake

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2026-08-18 03:43 UTC → 2026-08-18 05:43 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake in southwest Colombia, a delegation of 82 Israel Defense Forces (IDF) members, ~~including medical professionals and rescuers,~~ known as ‘Brit Re’im’ (Alliance of Friends), arrived in Cali to assist in search and rescue operations. The group includes engineers, medical professionals, and K9 units intended to locate missing persons and assess building safety. The deployment occurred following the restoration of diplomatic relations between Israel and Colombia under President Abelardo de la Espriella. The mission has triggered significant political controversy. Former President Gustavo Petro questioned if the group represented humanitarian aid or “war soldiers,” suggesting domestic personnel should be used instead. IDF spokesperson Roni Kaplan defended the team as “soldiers of peace” experienced in managing emergencies. As the death toll ~~from the earthquake~~ reached approximately 300, political backlash ~~intensified against President de la Espriella.~~ intensified. Legislators from the Pacto Histórico and other figures, such as Representative Santiago Osorio, argued that the presence of Israeli soldiers and authorized U.S. military maneuvers against narcoterrorism violate national sovereignty. Critics further contend that these foreign military deployments were authorized without the constitutional approval of the Colombian Senate. Recent developments show growing calls from Colombian legislators and former councilors for the immediate withdrawal of the troops. Critics have cited objections to the Israeli government's policies in Gaza and expressed concerns regarding the conduct of the delegation. Additionally, some representatives have reported that local volunteers feel sidelined by the arrival of the Israeli contingent.

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