In the wake of Israel’s crimes in the Gaza Strip, numerous state and non-state actors have taken action to condemn and counter these ongoing atrocities. Among the various actions, we can highlight protests held in different countries, efforts to prevent the docking of ships carrying Israeli goods or goods destined for the occupied territories, legal pursuits against Israel in both local and international courts, the downgrading or severance of political relations, and the reduction or termination of cooperation in various sectors. One initiative currently pursued by grassroots groups is the boycott of Israel. However, until now, few governments have taken specific action. Colombia stands out as one of the few countries moving toward sanctioning Israel. On June 8, 2024, the Colombian government imposed a ban on coal exports from Colombia to the Israeli-occupied territories [1].
Colombia’s Coal Exports to Israel (2021, 2022, and 2023) [2]
The significance of Colombia’s decision to ban coal exports to Israel is particularly important given that coal is the third-largest energy source for Israel, and the country imports all of its coal from foreign players. Coal is primarily used in Israel’s economy for electricity generation, with 22% of Israel’s electricity being produced from coal. Additionally, coal serves as an alternative fuel for some of Israel’s power plants.
In 2023, Colombia supplied 855,700 tons of the 1.4 million tons of coal imported by Israel, which accounts for more than 60% of Israel’s coal imports that year [3].
Given this data, it can be concluded that the Colombian government’s move to halt coal exports to Israel represents one of the most significant governmental actions in terms of economic sanctions against Israel. Colombia is the first energy-supplying country to impose sanctions against Israel. This step could serve as a model for other players to apply pressure on Israel. Colombia’s action comes at a time when Muslim governments, despite the atrocities committed by Israel in Gaza, have continued their political and trade relations with Israel and maintain extensive cooperation in various fields, including energy.
#Colombia
#Israel-Coal
#Electricity
Footnotes:
[1] Financial Times report titled “Colombia Halts Coal Exports to Israel in Protest of Gaza War” – June 8, 2024
[2] Coal Hub report titled “Colombian Coal Exports” – May 2024
[3] S&P Global article titled “Colombian Thermal Coal Miners May Oppose Proposed Export Ban to Israel” – June 10, 2024
