August 23, 2026 - The Colombian government on Friday signed a decree authorizing the resumption of coal exports to Israel, reversing a ban imposed under former President Gustavo Petro amid Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

“I authorized the resumption of coal exports to Israel, putting an end to ideological bans and restrictions of the past that harmed our economy, affected legal certainty and undermined international confidence,” President Abelardo de la Espriella said in a statement cited by the government.

Commerce, Industry and Tourism Minister Mauricio Gomez Amin said the government had already prepared the decree, describing the previous suspension as an “ideological” decision.

The Association of Professionals of the Colombian Mining Sector welcomed the move, saying it was based on technical rather than ideological considerations and could bring economic benefits to Colombia.

A decree issued in August 2025 imposed a ban on Colombian coal exports to Israel, citing Israel’s military operations in Palestine and their impact on Palestinian civilians.

The government at the time said the measure sought to prevent Colombian natural resources from contributing to Israel’s war effort and to help prevent genocide against the Palestinian people.

The suspension reduced shipments to the Israeli market by about 3.5 million metric tons annually, according to the National Federation of Coal Producers (Fenalcarbon). The figure represents roughly $200 million in annual exports, according to local media.

However, lifting the ban does not necessarily mean Colombia will immediately recover its former share of the Israeli market.

Fenalcarbon President Carlos Cante said Israel has increased coal purchases from South Africa and expanded its use of natural gas in some thermal power plants.

The Colombian government has also announced plans to strengthen commercial ties with Israel and expand markets for Colombian products as part of De la Espriella’s effort to reverse policies adopted by the previous administration.