Colombian President Gustavo Petro introduced on Saturday that Colombia will droop coal exports to Israel in response to the warfare in Gaza. The choice got here after Petro broke diplomatic ties with Israel in Might, citing the “genocidal” actions of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s authorities. Petro said that coal exports will solely resume when the “genocide” in Gaza stops and if Israel complies with a latest order by the Worldwide Court docket of Justice. Colombian coal exports to Israel have been value greater than $320 million within the first eight months of final yr, making up a small fraction of Colombia’s general coal exports.
Israel presently imports over 50% of its coal from Colombia, utilizing it primarily for energy era. Colombia has historically relied on Israel for army {hardware}, together with fighter jets and intelligence tools. Nevertheless, new army purchases have been halted as relations between the 2 nations deteriorate. Critics of Petro have raised considerations concerning the influence of slicing ties with Israel on Colombia’s safety capabilities because it continues to fight drug cartels and insurgent teams.
Regardless of criticism, some have applauded Petro’s determination to droop coal exports to Israel. The International Vitality Embargo for Palestine, an advocacy group, praised Colombia’s transfer as a step in the direction of pressuring Israel to alter its insurance policies in Gaza and the West Financial institution. The group urged different nations with vital vitality exports to contemplate following Colombia’s lead, particularly calling on South Africa, which gives 9% of Israel’s coal, to take related motion. Petro, in distinction to earlier Colombian presidents, has been a vocal critic of Israel and initially refused to sentence Hamas assaults that preceded Israel’s invasion of Gaza.
The announcement of Colombia’s suspension of coal exports to Israel comes as relations between the 2 nations proceed to deteriorate. Petro’s determination displays a shift in Colombia’s international coverage in the direction of Israel, signaling a break from the robust ties maintained by earlier administrations. Whereas each governments nonetheless keep consulates in one another’s territories and conduct commerce, the choice to halt army purchases has raised considerations about Colombia’s safety pursuits. The transfer has sparked debate amongst critics and supporters of Petro, with some commending his stance in opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza and others expressing considerations concerning the influence on Colombia’s safety capabilities.