Israel and Venezuela restore diplomatic relations after years of severed ties

Israel and Venezuela have restored diplomatic relations after a 17-year hiatus, according to statements published on Tuesday. The two countries agreed to establish a coordination mechanism to facilitate consular services for their citizens. The rapprochement comes under acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez, who has aligned Venezuela closer to the US since taking office in January following the US capture and imprisonment of then-President Nicolas Maduro.

The restoration of ties follows decades of severed relations, which began in 2009 under leftist President Hugo Chavez. Venezuela had severed diplomatic ties with Israel in response to mass civilian casualties during Israel's first major war on Gaza, known as Operation Cast Lead. Venezuela's ties with Israel were further strained under Maduro, who deepened relations with the Palestinian Authority and Iran.

The restoration of diplomatic relations between Israel and Venezuela comes as Latin America has become a haven for supporters of Israel in recent months. Several right-wing leaders from the continent have taken office, despite Israel's ongoing conflict in Gaza, where over 73,000 Palestinians have been killed. Venezuela and Colombia have also recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, a territory widely regarded as part of Syria under international law.