Israel and Venezuela resume ties for first time since 2009
Israel and Venezuela have agreed to resume consular relations for the first time since 2009, when they were severed after Operation Cast Lead. The agreement, reached on August 12, establishes a coordination mechanism for consular services and continues technical cooperation following an earthquake. Full diplomatic relations have not yet been restored, but the possibility is not ruled out. The rapprochement was facilitated by a visit from an Israeli delegation, which was highly praised by President Delcy Rodríguez.
Israel and Venezuela have agreed to resume consular relations for the first time since 2009, when they were severed after Operation Cast Lead in the Gaza Strip. The agreement, reached on August 12, establishes a coordination mechanism for providing consular services to citizens of both countries and continues technical cooperation in emergency response and post-earthquake recovery. The restoration of full diplomatic relations is not yet under consideration, although the possibility is not ruled out. The rapprochement was facilitated by a visit from an Israeli humanitarian delegation to Venezuela following the June earthquake, which was highly praised by the new president, Delcy Rodríguez. Energy Minister Eli Cohen held talks with Venezuelan counterparts on a wide range of issues in energy, trade, innovation, and technology. Venezuela holds the world's largest proven oil reserves—about 303 billion barrels—making it a potentially important partner for Israel in the energy sector.