Israel and Venezuela have agreed to renew consular relations and establish an official coordination mechanism between the two countries, marking the most significant formal contact between Jerusalem and Caracas since diplomatic relations were severed in 2009.
The agreement followed talks in recent weeks and days between Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Félix Plasencia. Under the understandings, the two countries will create a mechanism allowing consular services to be provided to citizens living in the other country as needed.
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Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez holds a press conference on the earthquake in Caracas on July 2
(Photo: Lucas AGUAYO / AFP)
Israel and Venezuela also agreed to continue technical cooperation connected to emergency and reconstruction efforts following the earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24. An Israeli aid delegation led by the Foreign Ministry and the IDF Home Front Command traveled to the country after the disaster and provided professional assistance with emergency response and recovery efforts.
In a joint statement, the two governments said they had agreed to maintain bilateral technical cooperation stemming from those relief efforts and establish the new consular mechanism.
The statement also stressed the importance of Israel’s relationship with Venezuela’s Jewish community, describing it as an important bridge of historic friendship between the countries.
The move comes alongside another diplomatic development in South America, after Colombia announced that it recognizes Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
Colombia said the decision was made in light of continuing instability in the Middle East and the strategic importance of the Golan to Israel’s security, while also recognizing Israel’s right and ability to defend itself and its citizens against external threats. The move drew condemnations across the Arab world.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the decision Tuesday evening in a video, presenting it as a significant diplomatic achievement following U.S. recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights during President Donald Trump’s first term.
“You remember the expression ‘the people are with the Golan,’ right?” Netanyahu said. “So today, ‘the people are with Colombia.’ Because the president of Colombia, our friend, recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. I thank you, Mr. President.”
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella following the earthquake in Colombia
(Photo: AP Photo/Sebastian Barros)
Pointing to the Golan Heights on a map, Netanyahu said the territory was vital to Israel’s security and would remain under Israeli control.
“This place is vital to our security, and the Israeli flag flies here, and it will continue to fly here because this is our land,” he said. “It has returned to us, it will always be ours.”
Netanyahu’s video did not mention the major earthquake that struck Colombia over the previous day.
The magnitude 7.4 quake hit western and central Colombia, killing at least 224 people and injuring 570. More than 3,000 people remained missing, while significant damage was reported to more than 1,500 buildings and dozens collapsed completely.
Rescue teams continued searching the rubble for survivors.
Sa’ar had addressed the disaster a day earlier, saying Israel was ready to assist Colombia.
“I offered my colleague, the foreign minister of Colombia, all the assistance Israel can offer,” he wrote. “Israel is ready to assist Colombia with whatever is required. My thoughts and prayers are with the Colombian people in these difficult days.”