Venezuela and Israel restore consular ties as relations warm

What the report says

Venezuela and Israel have agreed to restore consular relations, according to statements from both governments reported by Al Jazeera on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026. The move marks a notable easing in ties between Caracas and Jerusalem after Venezuela broke diplomatic relations with Israel in 2009 during the Gaza conflict.

Al Jazeera reported that the shift comes under Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, who has moved to realign the country’s foreign policy after the reported abduction of Nicolas Maduro in January. Venezuela’s foreign minister, Felix Plasencia Gonzalez, said the agreement followed Israeli emergency assistance after twin earthquakes hit Venezuela and would allow technical cooperation on recovery work as well as coordination of consular services for citizens in both countries.

Israel’s Spanish-language government account said the step reflected the importance of the Jewish community in Venezuela and the historical ties between the two countries. Consular relations do not amount to full diplomatic restoration, but they usually allow practical services for residents and travelers and can signal broader warming.

The development fits a wider regional trend, with several Latin American governments under right-wing leadership moving to improve relations with Israel. Al Jazeera also noted that Venezuela has been shifting away from past alliances, including closer ties to Iran and Cuba, and toward the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.