Israel Sends Official Rescue Mission to Venezuela After Devastating Earthquake Despite Diplomatic Rift

An official Israeli delegation is set to depart for Venezuela on Tuesday to assist in rescuing survivors following the severe double earthquake that struck the country last week. This humanitarian mission proceeds despite the diplomatic break between Israel and Venezuela since 2009. The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced the deployment after coordination led by the National Security Council, involving the Foreign Ministry, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and the Home Front Command.

The Foreign Ministry's efforts will be headed by Ambassador Yoed Magen, who was raised in Venezuela, while the IDF delegation will be led by Brigadier General Elad Edri, Chief of Staff of the Home Front Command. The team includes engineering experts from the Home Front Command and Foreign Ministry representatives, with additional specialists expected to join later. They will collaborate closely with Venezuelan counterparts based on on-site needs.

Israel had announced its readiness to send aid immediately after the disaster on June 25, which caused massive destruction in Venezuela, including at least 1,719 deaths, over 5,000 injuries, and approximately 50,000 missing persons. Venezuelan authorities continue joint rescue operations with international teams, though the government faces criticism for its response. The diplomatic rupture dates back to 2009 when Venezuela severed ties in protest of Israel's Operation Cast Lead in Gaza, a decision made by then-President Hugo Chávez, who accused Israel of inhumane persecution of the Palestinian people.

This rescue mission may open a new chapter in relations between the two countries, contingent on approval from the Venezuelan government. Meanwhile, rescue efforts persist amid challenging conditions, with survivors being extracted from collapsed buildings, as described by local citizens involved in the operations.