Israel and Venezuela restore consular ties after 17 years

Israel and Venezuela announced on Tuesday that they have restored consular relations after 17 years, marking the first formal step toward improving ties between the two nations since 2009. The office of Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated that he and his Venezuelan counterpart, Yván Gil, agreed following weeks of negotiations to establish a coordination mechanism. This framework will allow for the provision of consular services to citizens of both countries. In a joint statement, the two governments acknowledged the importance of the relationship between Israel and the Venezuelan Jewish community, describing the community as an important historical bridge for friendship between the two nations. The statement added that Israel and Venezuela will continue bilateral technical cooperation that emerged from emergency relief and reconstruction efforts following two deadly earthquakes in June. Venezuela severed diplomatic ties with Israel in 2009 under the presidency of Hugo Chávez, amid escalating tensions and days after the start of an Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip. Since then, the two countries have had no diplomatic relations. Following the detention of Nicolás Maduro by the United States in January and the subsequent appointment of Delcy Rodríguez as interim president, the tone of Venezuelan officials toward Israel has shifted noticeably. Relations warmed further after an Israeli aid mission was deployed to Venezuela to provide expertise in rescue operations, emergency response, and post-earthquake recovery. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the mission's work in a video message last month, stating that the group was helping to rebuild relations between Jerusalem and Caracas in addition to reconstructing damaged areas. He said the mission demonstrated the true face of the State of Israel to the people and government of Venezuela. In January, following the removal of Maduro, Sa'ar expressed hope that the development would eventually lead to the restoration of ties. He stated that Israel welcomed the removal of a dictator who led a network of drugs and terrorism, and expressed hope that democracy and friendly relations would return to Venezuela.