Venezuela, Israel Restore Consular Ties in Major Diplomatic Shift

Venezuela and Israel have agreed to restore consular relations, marking a significant shift after years of strained diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The announcement was made on Tuesday as Venezuela’s interim President, Delcy Rodriguez, continues to realign the country’s foreign policy following the abduction of former leader Nicolas Maduro by US forces in January.

Venezuela severed diplomatic relations with Israel in 2009 following Israel’s military offensive in Gaza. Under Maduro, Caracas maintained a strong anti-Israel position and developed close relations with Iran.

Venezuela’s Foreign Minister, Felix Plasencia Gonzalez, said the decision followed Israel’s deployment of a team to Venezuela to assist with emergency and recovery efforts after devastating twin earthquakes.

He said both governments had agreed to continue technical cooperation related to the earthquake response and establish a mechanism to provide consular services to their citizens living in each country.

Israel also welcomed the development, saying the move highlighted the importance of ties between Israel and Venezuela’s Jewish community.

Consular relations allow governments to assist their citizens abroad and provide services such as travel documentation. Although the move does not amount to a full restoration of diplomatic relations, it is widely viewed as a sign of improving relations.

The development comes as Rodriguez’s government moves closer to US President Donald Trump’s administration while distancing itself from some of Venezuela’s traditional allies, including Cuba.

The shift also comes amid broader efforts by Israel to rebuild relations with several Latin American countries following years of tensions over the war in Gaza.

Chile and Honduras recently restored their ambassadors to Israel, while Argentina has announced plans to move its embassy to Jerusalem.

Colombia has also taken a major shift under its newly elected right-wing president, Abelardo de la Espriella, who recently recognised Israel’s claim over the occupied Golan Heights—a position that differs sharply from his predecessor Gustavo Petro, a strong critic of Israel.

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