Israel Sends Official Rescue Team to Venezuela After Devastating Earthquake Despite Diplomatic Break

An official Israeli delegation is set to depart for Venezuela on Tuesday to assist in rescuing survivors following the devastating double earthquake that struck the country last week. This humanitarian mission proceeds despite the severed diplomatic relations between Israel and Venezuela since 2009, the Israeli Foreign Ministry announced.

The deployment was coordinated by Israel's National Security Council, involving the Foreign Ministry, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and the Home Front Command. Ambassador Yoed Magen, who grew up in Venezuela, will lead the Foreign Ministry's efforts, while IDF Home Front Command Chief Brigadier General Elad Edri will command the military contingent. The team includes engineering experts from the Home Front Command and Foreign Ministry representatives, with additional specialists expected to join later.

Israeli experts will collaborate closely with Venezuelan counterparts according to on-the-ground needs. Israel had announced its intention to send aid immediately after the disaster on June 25, when the earthquakes struck near the port city of La Guaira. The death toll in Venezuela has reached 1,719, with over 5,000 injured and approximately 50,000 missing. Rescue efforts continue amid criticism of the Venezuelan government's response, which many citizens view as inadequate compared to civilian-led initiatives.

The diplomatic break between the two countries dates back to 2009 when Venezuela, under President Hugo Chávez, cut ties in protest of Israel's Operation Cast Lead in Gaza, accusing Israel of inhumane treatment of Palestinians. The current Israeli aid mission requires approval from the Venezuelan government and could potentially open a new chapter in bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, rescue teams, including international groups, persist in searching for survivors trapped under collapsed buildings. Local resident Jason Marcano, who communicated with family members buried in the rubble, described the ongoing efforts as "incredibly difficult" but emphasized, "We have never given up hope."