Israel is expanding its humanitarian mission in Venezuela after the country’s government formally requested additional assistance in developing a nationwide reconstruction plan following the devastating earthquake that has claimed nearly 3,000 lives.

In addition to the dozens of Israeli personnel already operating on the ground, Israel has established a new team of approximately 20 experts working from Israel. The group is analyzing data from the disaster zone and helping Venezuelan authorities formulate a long-term strategy for rebuilding the hardest-hit areas.

The Israeli delegation’s work has received significant attention in Venezuela, drawing praise from the country’s acting president, senior government officials, and local media. The reconstruction plan was presented Sunday to Venezuela’s infrastructure minister and is expected to be formally presented to the acting president in the coming days.

The joint delegation—comprised of representatives from Israel’s Foreign Ministry, the Home Front Command, and the National Emergency Management Authority—is working closely with local authorities to inspect damaged buildings, assess structural safety, and determine which structures can be repaired and safely reoccupied.

The mission includes approximately 30 engineering experts, Foreign Ministry officials, emergency management specialists, and is led by Home Front Command Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Elad Edri. Officials said the confirmed death toll is approaching 3,000, though they believe the actual number is significantly higher.

Israeli experts have worked alongside Venezuela’s Ministry of Infrastructure to prepare a comprehensive national reconstruction plan for Caracas and surrounding areas devastated by the earthquake. The long-term proposal includes evaluating nearly 1,300 buildings for either repair or demolition, removing dangerous structures, clearing debris, and preparing affected neighborhoods for future construction. The plan is expected to receive final approval from the country’s acting president before implementation begins.

Alongside recovery efforts, Home Front Command personnel are providing classroom instruction and hands-on training to Venezuelan engineers and emergency officials in building assessment, risk evaluation, and post-disaster recovery procedures, drawing on Israel’s extensive experience responding to earthquakes and other large-scale disasters around the world.

The delegation also marks Israel’s first official mission to Venezuela in 17 years, with the last Israeli government representatives sent to the country in 2009. Beyond its primary humanitarian mission, the delegation said it also considers strengthening ties with Venezuela’s Jewish community an important part of its visit.

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