Venezuela, Israel restore consular ties after 17 years
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Venezuela and Israel reached an agreement on Tuesday to re-establish consular services within each country, signaling a major transformation in diplomatic relations following a 17-year break.
South American nation originally cut ties with Israel in 2009 due to military strikes in the Gaza Strip, but the administration has now shifted its geopolitical alignment.
Since the United States captured President Nicolas Maduro in January, Venezuela has strengthened its connection with Washington, moving away from its long-standing partnership with Iran.
Venezuelan government, headed by Interim President Delcy Rodriguez, revealed that the path to this deal began after an Israeli humanitarian delegation visited the country to help after devastating earthquakes occurred in June.
Following that mission, senior officials from both states held discussions that resulted in the decision to resume consular operations.
In an official statement also released by Israel’s Foreign Ministry, the Venezuelan government remarked, “Both governments recognize the importance of the relationship between the State of Israel and the Jewish community in Venezuela, which constitutes an important historic bridge of friendship between the two countries.”
For years, Iran acted as a key ally to Venezuela, as both oil-producing nations endured US sanctions and shared a mutual opposition to Washington's policies. Tehran specifically criticized the recent US intervention in Caracas.
However, the move to restore consular services indicates that Venezuela is prioritizing a new direction in its foreign policy by moving toward Israel and its allies.
Source: Reuters (adapted)
