The Media Line: Israel, Venezuela Renew Official Ties After 17-Year Diplomatic Freeze By The Media Line Staff Israel and Venezuela agreed to restore consular relations and establish a formal channel for coordination, reopening direct ties between th

Israel, Venezuela Renew Official Ties After 17-Year Diplomatic Freeze  

By The Media Line Staff  

Israel and Venezuela agreed to restore consular relations and establish a formal channel for coordination, reopening direct ties between the countries after a 17-year freeze and following cooperation in the aftermath of Venezuela’s deadly June earthquakes.  

The agreement followed discussions between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Félix Plasencia. Under the arrangement, Israel and Venezuela will create a mechanism through which their citizens can receive essential consular services.  

The two governments also agreed to continue technical cooperation in emergency response, engineering and recovery efforts.  

Contacts between the countries expanded after more than 50 Israeli specialists traveled to Venezuela following the double earthquake in June. The delegation included representatives of Israel’s Foreign Ministry, the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command and the National Emergency Management Authority.  

During the mission, Israeli personnel assisted with rescue operations and assessments of damaged structures. They also helped map destruction and presented Venezuelan authorities with a framework for rebuilding national infrastructure.  

The diplomatic opening comes under acting President Delcy Rodríguez, whose government has taken a more pragmatic approach to foreign relations following a political and leadership transition.  

The statement on renewed consular ties also addressed Israel’s connection with Venezuela’s Jewish community, describing the community as an important link in the countries’ longstanding friendship.  

Venezuela cut diplomatic relations with Israel in January 2009 under then-President Hugo Chávez in response to Israeli military operations in Gaza. Relations remained suspended under Nicolás Maduro as Venezuela maintained close ties with Iran and participated in platforms hostile to Israel.  

The resumption of consular contacts does not amount to the full restoration of diplomatic relations, but establishes an official mechanism for direct cooperation after 17 years without formal ties.  

The development follows renewed relations between Israel and Colombia under its new president. Colombia also recently recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.