The agreement followed talks between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia, Anadolu Agency reported.
Under the arrangement, the two countries will establish a mechanism to coordinate consular services for their respective citizens.
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The move comes amid efforts to address the needs of Venezuela’s Jewish community.
Plasencia met Sunday in Caracas with Isaac Cohen, chief rabbi of the Israelite Association of Venezuela, who delivered a letter to Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez calling for the restoration of diplomatic and consular relations with Israel.
The request focused on ensuring support and services for Venezuela’s Jewish community, according to Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry.
“Venezuela has historically welcomed an important Jewish community with open arms,” Plasencia said, highlighting the community’s contributions to the country’s development.
The agreement does not restore full diplomatic relations between Caracas and Tel Aviv. Instead, it creates a limited official channel for consular matters.
Venezuela severed diplomatic relations with Israel in January 2009 under then-President Hugo Chavez, following Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip.
Chavez was a strong critic of Israel and maintained close relations with countries opposed to Israeli policies in the Middle East. His successor, Nicolas Maduro, continued the diplomatic break and maintained close ties with Iran while repeatedly criticizing Israel over the Palestinian issue.
The latest move follows recent humanitarian cooperation between the two countries.
Israel provided assistance to Venezuela after a June 24 earthquake, sending a delegation that helped tens of thousands of Venezuelans return to their homes, according to Agencia AJN.
The two sides have also agreed to continue cooperation on emergency response and recovery efforts following the earthquake.
Plasencia expressed gratitude to Israel and its people for their assistance after what he described as a “double earthquake” that struck Venezuela on June 24.
The resumption of consular cooperation marks the first significant official channel between Israel and Venezuela since their diplomatic relationship was cut in 2009, although the agreement falls short of restoring full diplomatic relations.
