An Israeli emergency response delegation has concluded its mission in Venezuela following several weeks of disaster relief work after earthquakes struck the South American nation in June. The operation marked a significant diplomatic moment, as Israel and Venezuela have maintained no official relations since 2009, when Venezuela severed ties with Jerusalem. Venezuelan authorities nonetheless requested Israeli assistance.
Two earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 hit Venezuela on June 4. The official death toll reached 5,346, with over 16,000 injured and approximately 50,000 people missing.
Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodriguez met with the Israeli delegation to express gratitude for their efforts. The team presented an overview of its activities and a recovery plan developed jointly with Venezuelan authorities.
The delegation comprised more than 50 professionals from Israel's Foreign Ministry, Israel Defense Forces, and National Emergency Management Authority. At Venezuelan leaders' request, the mission was extended beyond its initial scope.
Israeli officials indicated that professional support would continue after the delegation's departure, with Israeli experts maintaining contact with Venezuelan counterparts as reconstruction proceeds.