Venezuela Shifts From Iran Ties to Normalizing Relations With Israel

Israel and Venezuela announced last week the restoration of consular relations after prolonged diplomatic efforts between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and his Venezuelan counterpart. This diplomatic opening followed the ousting of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the rise to power of President Delcy Rodríguez, who aligns with the U.S. administration. The rapprochement accelerated after a devastating earthquake struck Venezuela, killing around 10,000 people. Under Sa'ar's direction, Israel sent a humanitarian aid delegation to northern Venezuela, which met with President Rodríguez, generating positive political momentum and enabling the establishment of a new coordination mechanism for civil services.

This move marks Venezuela's departure from its previous alliance with Iran toward a pro-Israel stance. A political source described the development as a "significant event" amid Foreign Minister Sa'ar's efforts to strengthen ties with Latin American countries ahead of 2026. Concurrently, Colombia became the first country besides the United States to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, under the leadership of its new president, Abelardo de la Espriella. This broader trend of rising right-wing leadership in Latin America is fueled by economic and security dissatisfaction and benefits from support linked to the Trump administration.