Venezuela Praises Israeli Aid After 17 Years of Diplomatic Break, Hints at Renewed Ties

After 17 years of severed diplomatic relations, Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez publicly praised Israel for its expert humanitarian aid following a devastating earthquake. Rodriguez, the first Venezuelan leader since Hugo Chavez to commend Israel, highlighted the Israeli delegation's unique expertise in rescue and infrastructure assessment during a press conference on Thursday. She thanked Chief Rabbi Isaac Cohen for coordinating the mission, which began implementing protocols for infrastructure rehabilitation and locating survivors or victims.

The Israeli delegation, comprising 28 members including eight engineers from the Home Front Command and Foreign Ministry representatives, arrived in Venezuela on Tuesday. They are working closely with Venezuelan authorities and are expected to be joined by additional experts from Israel’s Home Front Command and National Emergency Authority. This mission marks a significant diplomatic breakthrough, including the first phone call in years between Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Ivan Gil and Israel’s envoy to Mexico, Yoed Magen, who also oversees Venezuelan affairs.

Venezuela cut ties with Israel in early 2009 under Chavez, who opposed Israel’s 2008-2009 Gaza operation and pursued an anti-imperialist policy aligned with Iran. Rodriguez, formerly Vice President under Nicolas Maduro, has shifted towards cooperation with Washington since becoming interim president earlier this year, opening the door for improved relations with Israel.

The aid mission follows two powerful earthquakes last week, registering magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, which struck near Caracas and the La Guaira region, causing massive destruction and at least 2,295 confirmed deaths. Over 38,000 people remain missing. Despite the passage of more than a week, Israeli experts helped rescue a man trapped for eight days in La Guaira.

Chief Rabbi Isaac Cohen, considered a potential Venezuelan ambassador to Israel if relations resume, emphasized the humanitarian gesture’s importance and expressed hope for further diplomatic progress. He noted the warm reception the Israeli team received from both the Venezuelan government and people, calling the aid mission a "moving gesture" and a possible first step toward restoring ties.