Colombian embassy to open in Jerusalem, Israeli FM says

Israel's foreign minister says Colombia will open an embassy in Jerusalem next week. Gideon Saar announced the plan at a conference on Thursday. He also urged other countries to move their embassies to the city. Colombia's foreign minister, Omar Bula Escobar, will travel to Jerusalem on Sunday before the opening. Most countries keep their embassies in Tel Aviv instead. They do this because Jerusalem's status is still disputed.

Israel and the Palestinians both claim Jerusalem as their capital. Most countries avoid taking sides by putting their embassies in Tel Aviv. Colombia had cut ties with Israel over the war in Gaza. Colombia's new president, Abelardo De la Espriella, took office in August. He promised close ties with Israel and restored diplomatic relations. A small but growing group of countries has moved or promised embassies in Jerusalem.

Where countries place their embassies signals whose claim to Jerusalem they accept. Each move can raise tensions and influence stalled peace talks.