Venezuela and Israel announced on Tuesday that they have agreed to restore consular relations, reversing a 17-year diplomatic freeze initiated by the previous government. The agreement was reached as interim President Delcy Rodriguez has pursued a substantial realignment of the country’s international relationships following the U.S. military abduction of former leader Nicolas Maduro in January.
The decision to resume consular ties stems in part from Israel’s humanitarian response after twin earthquakes struck Venezuela. According to a statement by Foreign Relations Minister Felix Plasencia Gonzalez, the two nations have agreed to continue bilateral technical cooperation related to earthquake relief and recovery efforts, as well as to establish mechanisms for providing consular services to their respective citizens. The Israeli government noted that the move reflects recognition of the importance of bonds between Israel and Venezuela’s Jewish community.
Consular relations typically facilitate joint administrative services to citizens and travelers and can indicate warming ties, though they remain distinct from full diplomatic restoration. Rodriguez has aligned closely with the Trump administration since Maduro’s removal, a shift that has also included Venezuela’s movement away from longtime ally Cuba. The country recently withdrew from the International Court of Justice, citing alleged bias against the Global South—a position that aligns with the Trump administration’s stance toward international tribunals.
The diplomatic shift reflects broader regional trends in Latin America, where newly elected right-wing governments have moved to restore or strengthen relations with Israel following the strains caused by the conflict in Gaza. Chile and Honduras recently restored their ambassadors to Israel, while Argentina’s president previously announced plans to relocate the embassy to Jerusalem. Colombia’s newly inaugurated president recently recognized Israeli sovereignty claims over the Syrian Golan Heights, contrasting sharply with his leftist predecessor’s critical stance toward Israel.
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