Israel and Venezuela agreed to renew consular relations and establish an official coordination channel after 17 years without diplomatic relations, the countries said in a joint announcement on Tuesday. The move creates an official coordination channel between Israel and Venezuela, which have not maintained diplomatic relations since 2009. The agreement followed talks held in recent weeks between Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Félix Plasencia. During the talks, the two parties agreed to establish a coordination mechanism that will allow consular services to be provided. to citizens of both countries. Rescuers search through the rubble, after the June 24 earthquakes in Caraballeda, La Guaira state, Venezuela, July 9, 2026. (credit: Leonardo Fernández Viloria/Reuters) The statement also emphasized the importance of the ties between the State of Israel and the Jewish community of Venezuela, which the community celebrated. “After 17 years without consular relations, Venezuela and Israel are moving forward in a process of building trust that began with “Today a new era begins, taking a first step in the Consular area, as technical support in the areas that are required, and in the near future, diplomatic relations between both nations will be fully “The Jewish residents of Venezuela said they were excited about the return to normal relations between the two countries. “This is news that fills us with hope and joy and marks a significant step towards rapprochement. and the return to normality for many people who have waited years for practical solutions,” Walla A., a Jew living in Caracas, told Walla. He added that “the renewal of the consular coordination mechanism between Venezuela and Israel is not simply a diplomatic matter. First, it provides much-needed relief for families and citizens by facilitating procedures and administrative matters, and building a bridge of understanding and human assistance where there was previously distance,” he added. “I warmly welcome this rapprochement, which offers an opportunity to renew ties, resolve everyday problems and look to the future with a renewed commitment to cooperation and mutual respect,” he said. “Bravo to Minister Félix Ramón Plasencia González, and bravo to the Chief Rabbi of the AIV Isaac Cohen.” Israel and Venezuela agree to continue coordination after the massive earthquake. Additionally, after the earthquake and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, both also agreed to continue cooperating on emergency response and recovery efforts. An Israeli delegation was deployed there in June and has since helped tens of thousands of Venezuelans return to their homes. The Venezuelan government’s receipt of Israeli assistance contrasts with the complete breakdown in relations between the countries that dates back to 2009. Afterward, officials estimated that at least 5,000 people were killed. Yonah Jeremy Bob contributed to this report.
