New details on the renewal of relations with Venezuela — and the blue wave that continues to intensify
Israel has leveraged opportunities following the regime change and a devastating earthquake in Venezuela to strengthen ties in Latin America. This success is part of a broader geopolitical shift as more countries in the region align with Jerusalem.
Last week, Israel and Venezuela officially announced the renewal of consular relations. The development follows prolonged contacts between Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and his Venezuelan counterpart, as well as Israeli humanitarian aid provided in the wake of a massive earthquake and the change in Venezuela's leadership.
"This is a significant event," a political source told N12, emphasizing the importance of Venezuela's transition from the Iranian axis to a pro-Israeli stance. The world was stunned in early January when United States special forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and transported him to New York. The subsequent government change and the rise of President Delsy Rodriguez opened new diplomatic opportunities for Jerusalem.
The window for rapprochement widened after a powerful earthquake struck Venezuela, claiming an estimated ten thousand lives. Foreign Minister Sa'ar decided to dispatch an Israeli delegation to assist in disaster relief efforts in the country's north. The delegation, which met with President Rodriguez, continues to operate on the ground.
"There is very positive political energy there toward us, and the Jewish community is also playing a role. This is an important event, both politically and in terms of image," the source noted. The renewal of consular relations serves as an initial but significant step, establishing a mechanism for coordinating civil services between the two nations.
The "Blue Wave" in Latin America
Following the news from Venezuela, Colombia announced its recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights—the first country to do so besides the USA. This move is part of a series of pro-Israeli steps by the new Venezuelan President Abelardo de la Espriella, including the relocation of the embassy to Jerusalem and the resumption of coal exports to Israel.
Over the past two years, much of Latin America has "turned blue," with right-wing leaders rising to power and strengthening ties with Israel. Peru, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Panama have shifted sharply to the right, marking a radical departure from the "pink tide" of five years ago.
Foreign Minister Sa'ar has placed Latin America at the center of the Foreign Ministry's 2026 agenda. However, Brazil remains a "red" outlier. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, whose relations with Israel are severely strained, will face pro-Israeli Senator Flavio Bolsonaro in October's elections. The current rightward shift in the region is bolstered by the Trump administration, which frequently intervenes in support of right-wing candidates.
