Israel and Venezuela Renew Consular Relations After 17 Years

Israel and Venezuela have agreed to reestablish consular relations after a 17-year hiatus, following diplomatic ties being severed in 2009. The agreement was reached through recent discussions between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia. As part of the deal, a coordination mechanism will be established to provide consular services to citizens of both countries residing in the other.

This development also coincides with ongoing cooperation between the two nations in humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts after the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026. An Israeli aid delegation, led by the Foreign Ministry and the Home Front Command, was deployed to Venezuela to assist with emergency response and recovery operations.

The joint statement emphasized the historical ties between Israel and the Jewish community in Venezuela, highlighting it as a bridge of friendship between the countries. The renewed consular coordination aims to facilitate services for nationals abroad and continue technical collaboration related to disaster relief. The agreement follows high-level talks and the recent humanitarian mission, signaling a cautious but significant step toward improved bilateral relations despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations for nearly two decades.