Israeli engineers assist Venezuela’s earthquake reconstruction

A joint delegation of Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) and the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry arrived in Venezuela to support rebuilding after the June 24 earthquakes that killed more than 3,500 people and left thousands homeless. Led by Brigadier General Elad Edri of the IDF’s Internal Front Command and diplomat Yoed Magen, the team includes engineers, rescue specialists and NGOs such as Ready for Rescue and SmartAID. They are conducting damage assessments in Caracas, La Guaira and other affected areas, and implementing a national rehabilitation plan prepared in Israel and approved by interim President Delcy Rodríguez.

The mission, extended at Rodríguez’s request, aims to restore critical infrastructure and strengthen bilateral ties, marking the first official Israeli‑Venezuelan cooperation since diplomatic relations were cut in 2009. While praised for its humanitarian focus, the presence of Israeli military personnel has drawn criticism from pro‑Palestinian groups within Venezuela.