Israeli Delegation Leads National Reconstruction Plan in Venezuela Despite Diplomatic Rift

An official Israeli delegation is currently operating in Venezuela following the devastating earthquake, focusing on developing a national plan for reconstruction and demolition of damaged buildings. Unlike other international teams tasked with rescuing victims, the Israeli group, led by Colonel Elad Edri, is responsible for planning the recovery efforts. The delegation arrived last week and is expected to return to Israel in about a week.

The earthquake primarily affected coastal areas south of Caracas, destroying entire neighborhoods. Despite the diplomatic break between Israel and Venezuela since 2009, the Israeli team was warmly received by local authorities and citizens. "We were shocked by the warm reception," Edri said, noting that Venezuelan police and civilians expressed gratitude, and government officials showed great appreciation.

The Israeli plan includes clearing debris, establishing a broad rehabilitation strategy, specifying necessary equipment, and prioritizing recycling of construction waste as requested by Venezuelan officials. The Home Front Command mapped approximately 1,300 damaged structures, including residential high-rises, schools, hotels, and public buildings, some located on steep slopes complicating demolition efforts.

Edri highlighted Israel's accumulated expertise from the 1985 Mexico earthquake and recent emergency experiences, enabling the delegation to bring comprehensive professional knowledge to Venezuela. The team also engaged with the local Jewish community of about 5,000 people, renewing ties severed for 17 years, including participating in a Shabbat dinner.

The earthquake reportedly killed around 3,000 people, injured over 12,000, and left approximately 15,000 homeless, according to Venezuelan government sources. Satellite images reveal extensive destruction in the La Guaira region, underscoring the scale of the disaster and the urgent need for coordinated reconstruction efforts.