Venezuela Restores Diplomatic Relations with Israel After 17 Years

Venezuela has restored diplomatic ties with Israel after a 17-year break, the two governments announced following recent talks between their foreign ministers.
According to joint statements, the agreement followed discussions between Israeli Foreign Minister Gadi (Gideon) Sa’ar and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Félix Plasencia. The deal establishes a coordination mechanism to provide diplomatic and consular services to citizens of both countries.
Venezuela severed ties with Israel in 2008 in response to Israel’s offensive in Gaza; it also joined Bolivia in cutting relations in January 2009 following the same campaign. Israel and Venezuela had not maintained formal diplomatic relations since 2009, the Israeli statement said.
The announcement comes amid regional developments: Colombia recently recognized Israel’s annexation of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, drawing criticism from Damascus and the U.N., which continues to regard the territory as Syrian. Colombia had severed relations with Israel in May 2024 under President Gustavo Petro, citing objections to Israel’s conduct.
Both governments said they will continue bilateral technical cooperation related to emergency aid and reconstruction following recent earthquakes. Venezuelan authorities updated the quake death toll to 6,301 as rescue teams and families continued searching rubble; Colombia’s reported fatalities have risen to 213.
The moves follow heightened regional tensions, including a reported U.S.-linked operation in January that targeted former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and the interim presidency of Delcy Rodríguez.