The Venezuelan government announced on Tuesday that it had reached an agreement with Israel
to establish a consular services coordination mechanism. This marks a significant shift in the country's foreign policy, which severed diplomatic relations with Israel in 2009.
Venezuela severed relations with Israel 17 years ago in protest against Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip. For many years, the South American country maintained close ties with Iran as part of this policy.
Venezuela's shift in international positioning follows the transformation of its relations with Washington following the detention of President Nicolás Maduro in January. Since then, the Venezuelan government has pursued a rapprochement with the United States.
The consular services mechanism will allow both countries to serve their citizens despite the lack of full diplomatic relations.