Venezuela and Israel announced on August 11, 2026, that they have agreed to re-establish consular services after a 17-year interruption in diplomatic relations since 2009 [1, 2, 3, 4]. The diplomatic break occurred after Venezuela severed ties in response to Israeli military actions in Gaza [1, 2, 4]. Both governments will now set up a coordination mechanism to provide consular services to their citizens living in each other's countries [2, 4].
The resumption of consular ties, however, does not represent a full restoration of diplomatic relations [3, 4]. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia said, "The Governments of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the State of Israel report that they have agreed to continue bilateral technical cooperation derived from the emergency and recovery efforts following the double earthquake, as well as to establish a coordination mechanism for the provision of consular services to their respective citizens residing in both countries" [3].
Venezuela under interim President Delcy Rodriguez has shifted its geopolitical stance this year, moving closer to Israel and the United States since the January 2026 abduction of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces [1, 3]. This marks a change from previous ties with Iran and Cuba [1, 3]. The re-establishment of consular ties also responds in part to the needs of Venezuela's significant Jewish community. Foreign Minister Plasencia said, "Venezuela has historically welcomed an important Jewish community with open arms" [4]. The Israeli foreign ministry added, "Both governments recognise the importance of the bond between the State of Israel and the Jewish community residing in Venezuela, which constitutes an important historical bridge of friendship between the two countries" [3].
This rapprochement followed practical cooperation after a pair of devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026. Israel sent a humanitarian and disaster response delegation to Venezuela to assist relief efforts [2, 3, 4].
On August 9, 2026, Foreign Minister Plasencia met with Isaac Cohen, chief rabbi of the Israelite Association of Venezuela, in Caracas to deliver a letter urging restoration of relations [4].
Separately, Venezuela announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court in July 2026 [3].
Venezuela and Israel broke diplomatic relations at the start of the Gaza war in January 2009 [2]. The new consular agreement opens a pathway for limited cooperation and citizen services between the two nations.
