US involved in renewing ties with Venezuela; Sa'ar: 'A diplomatic revolution'

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar describes the changes in Israel's relations with Latin America as "a real diplomatic revolution." Israel and Colombia agreed to renew relations, and Colombia recognized Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Meanwhile, Israel and Venezuela announced initial steps to renew consular ties after more than a decade of estrangement. The US was involved in the move.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar describes the changes in Israel's relations with Latin American countries as "a real diplomatic revolution." In an interview with "Hayom," he explains: "These are ties we worked on intensively and cultivated over the past two years. I defined 2026 as the Year of Latin America for the Foreign Ministry; now everyone sees it bearing fruit." Israel and Colombia agreed to renew relations between the countries. His remarks come against the backdrop of two dramatic moves within days: the renewal of consular ties with Venezuela after more than a decade of estrangement, and Colombia's official recognition of Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights—the second country in the world after the United States. The latest move was the joint announcement by Israel and Venezuela on initial steps to renew and strengthen diplomatic and bilateral ties between the countries, after years of strained relations during the era of rulers Chávez and Maduro. The breakthrough came following the arrival of an Israeli humanitarian delegation to Venezuela after the double earthquake that struck the country. Following the aid and advanced talks held between senior officials from both sides, it was agreed to allow the continuation of bilateral technical cooperation in emergency and reconstruction efforts. The two countries agreed on a first practical step on the diplomatic level: establishing a dedicated coordination mechanism to provide consular services to citizens of Israel and Venezuela residing in the other country. The official statement emphasized the importance of the local Jewish community: "The two governments recognize the importance of the connection between the State of Israel and the Jewish community residing in Venezuela, which constitutes an important bridge of historical friendship between the two countries." We have learned that the American administration was also involved in the move and it was coordinated with it. The Americans have decisive influence over the current Venezuelan government and interim president Delcy Rodríguez, after Maduro's abduction and imprisonment in the US. Two days ago, Colombia announced official recognition of Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights, the second country after the US. Citing that control of the plateau is vital to Israel's security, and this event is not coincidental; the Foreign Ministry identifies international moves following the legitimacy received by current Syrian president al-Sharaa, moves aimed at obtaining international decisions supporting the Syrian position regarding the Golan Heights. Israel is working to present a front against this direction. Colombia announced the statement with quick and interesting timing. President de la Espriella met on Thursday with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar in Barranquilla, a day before his inauguration. Sa'ar attended the inauguration ceremony as Israel's official representative. On Sunday, nature brought the president's serious test: an earthquake struck Colombia, but that did not prevent the announcement about the Golan Heights a day later, evidence of the importance of the Israeli issue in his eyes. Sa'ar and the Foreign Ministry are trying to continue leveraging this diplomatic renaissance in the region in several areas, such as positive changes in their conduct in international institutions and bodies regarding Israel, activity against Iran and terrorist groups like Hezbollah, and moving more embassies to Jerusalem.