Colombia has demanded that Israel’s ambassador leave the country amid a dispute over President Gustavo Petro’s remarks regarding the war with Hamas.

Petro’s comparison of Israeli attacks on Gaza with Nazi persecution of the Jews prompted the demand for the ambassador’s departure.

The diplomatic tension has also led to Israel halting security exports to Colombia. Israel had accused Petro of making hostile and anti-Semitic statements, while Petro defended his stance against what he saw as genocide in Gaza.

Colombia’s armed forces use Israeli-made weapons and aircraft, making this rift significant given their historical ties to Israel and the U.S.