Venezuela and Israel restore consular ties as relations warm
Venezuela and Israel have agreed to restore consular relations following a period of diplomatic isolation. The move follows a shift in Venezuelan leadership and international cooperation efforts after a recent earthquake.
Why it matters
This diplomatic realignment marks a significant change in South American foreign policy and regional geopolitical alliances.
Despite cutting diplomatic ties with Israel in 2009, Caracas has shifted alignment in wake of Maduro abduction.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela's interim president during a news conference at Miraflores Palace on July 2, 2026 in Caracas, Venezuela [Jesus Vargas/Getty Images] By Al Jazeera Staff Published On 11 Aug 2026 11 Aug 2026 Venezuela and Israel have agreed to restore consular relations, in a major shift.
The announcement by both Israel and Venezuela on Tuesday comes as the interim President Delcy Rodriguez has pursued a major realignment since the United States military abduction of leader Nicolas Maduro in January.
That has included thawing ties with Israel, after Caracas severed ties 17 years ago in light of Israeli attacks on Gaza. Under Maduro, Venezuela had remained staunchly opposed to Israel, while aligning with regional foe Iran.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in