Colombian President Gustavo Petro is facing severe criticism from the United States for his outspoken views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, reigniting a longstanding controversy that has drawn global attention. The tensions came to a head during a hearing held by the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere of the House of Representatives, shedding light on the deepening concerns regarding rising antisemitism in Latin America.
The hearing, chaired by Republican Representative María Elvira Salazar, featured testimony from Deborah Lipstadt, the head of the Office of the Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating Antisemitism at the Department of State (SEAS). Lipstadt did not hold back in expressing her apprehension about Petro’s remarks and those of other regional leaders. Following the hearing, she criticized the Colombian president, stating, “His comments, not only about Israel, really crossed a red line. They are antisemitic and do not help the Jewish community in Colombia, do not help stability, and do not help in the pursuit of peace.”
Lipstadt raised particular concern about Petro’s decision, along with other regional leaders, to recall ambassadors as a form of protest. She argued that this strategy was not conducive to finding solutions for the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
During the hearing, Lipstadt pointedly addressed Petro’s previous statements, characterizing them as offensive and unfortunate. “It is offensive and unfortunate that leaders like Petro have compared what is happening with Hitler. We are very disappointed that some have decided to sever relations with Israel and, others like Colombia, have recalled their ambassadors,” she declared.
Petro’s controversial stance dates back to October 7, 2023, when he notably refused to openly condemn Hamas for its alleged massacre of civilians. As Israel retaliated with a comprehensive blockade on Gaza, Petro drew parallels to Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime, branding Gaza a “concentration camp” and suggesting that this “policy of hatred” could lead to a new holocaust.
In response to these remarks, Lipstadt emphasized the shock and condemnation felt globally, stating, “We were shocked to see Colombian President Gustavo Petro compare the Israeli government to Hitler’s genocidal regime. We strongly condemn President Petro’s statements and ask him to condemn Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, for its barbaric murder of Israeli men, women, and children.”
Despite the reprimands from U.S. officials, Petro remains steadfast in his position. During a subsequent hearing at the Capitol on March 7, 2024, convened by Representative María Elvira Salazar, Lipstadt reiterated the U.S. government’s disapproval of Petro’s statements. She urged him to condemn Hamas and expressed concerns about Petro and other leaders crossing boundaries with their comments.
President Petro, however, remained defiant in the face of U.S. criticism, asserting, “They don’t manage our foreign policy.” He continued to denounce what he deemed a genocide in Gaza, despite the Congressional rebuke.
In a notable move on March 5, 2024, Petro appointed ambassadors to Uruguay and the Netherlands, Juan José Quintana Aranguren and Diana Carolina Olarte Bacares, respectively, as representatives to handle Colombia’s lawsuit against Israel. The legal action, filed on December 29, 2023, at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, alleges violations of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip.
This legal maneuver underscores Petro’s commitment to pursuing justice for what he perceives as Israel’s transgressions. Since October 7, 2023, he has consistently condemned Israeli attacks on Gaza civilians, though critics argue that his condemnation of Hamas lacks the same fervor.
In November 2023, Petro signaled Colombia’s support for Algeria’s denunciation filed with the International Criminal Court against Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes. Similarly, in January 2024, he announced his endorsement of South Africa’s lawsuit, emphasizing that Israel’s actions constituted acts of genocide.
As the controversy continues to escalate, the clash between Petro and U.S. officials may mark a turning point in the bilateral relations. The President’s unyielding stance, coupled with the legal actions taken against the Government of Israel, sets the stage for a protracted and contentious debate in which the U.S could be losing patience with one of its longest-standing and closest political allies in the hemisphere.
