Israel and Venezuela renew consular ties after 17 years of no diplomacy

Israel and Venezuela have re-established consular relations after a 17-year diplomatic freeze, according to a statement from Israel's foreign ministry. The decision follows the delivery of aid and disaster response assistance to Venezuela in June, following devastating earthquakes that killed thousands. The move also comes in the wake of the United States' military overthrow of Venezuela's previous leader, Nicolas Maduro, in January, leaving interim President Delcy Rodriguez to take control.

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar of Israel and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia held talks that led to the agreement. The two nations, who had not maintained diplomatic ties since 2009, have now agreed to establish a coordination mechanism to provide consular services to their citizens. Both countries acknowledged the importance of the relationship between Israel and the Jewish community in Venezuela, and agreed to maintain bilateral technical cooperation from the earthquake relief and reconstruction efforts.