Venezuela: Limited rapprochement after 17 years

Ecuador, under President Daniel Noboa, is seeking to develop its relations with Israel particularly in the areas of security, the economy and technology.

During Israeli Foreign Minister Sa’ar’s visit to Ecuador in August, the two sides agreed to make progress toward a free-trade agreement and increase cooperation in counterterrorism, economic affairs and innovation.

Following the severing of diplomatic relations between Venezuela and Israel in 2009 during the Hugo Chávez era, an important but limited normalization step was taken in August 2026.

The two countries agreed to establish a coordination mechanism to provide consular services to their citizens. They also agreed to continue technical cooperation that began following the earthquakes that struck Venezuela in June.

The development does not mean that full diplomatic relations have been restored. However, the opening of consular channels after 17 years of estrangement demonstrates that a new, albeit limited, channel of communication has emerged between Caracas and Tel Aviv.

Peru remains among the countries maintaining traditionally strong economic, technological and security cooperation with Israel.

Mexico, meanwhile, has supported a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict from the outset while pursuing a more balanced approach based on maintaining diplomatic relations.

Mexico’s Jewish-born President Claudia Sheinbaum reiterated in 2026 that Palestine and Israel should be recognized as two separate states. Her government has criticized Israel’s policies in Gaza while advocating continued diplomatic dialogue and efforts toward a multilateral solution.

The examples of Bolivia and Colombia demonstrate how political changes in the region can have a decisive impact on the direction of relations with Israel.

However, Israel’s outreach to Latin America also faces certain limitations. While the foreign-policy priorities of governments in the region can change, the Israel-Palestine issue remains an important factor in relations with Latin American countries.

Israel’s actions in Gaza have provoked the strongest reaction among Latin American populations in recent history. Israel is aware of this and is therefore pursuing new policies in the region.

(Originally published in Turkish by Kriter)