In a dramatic shift after Venezuela broke off ties with Israel following one of Israel’s wars in Gaza 17 years ago, both countries announced a resumption of consular relations, with Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, referencing the humanitarian assistance Israel provided after massive earthquakes tore through the country in June, killing thousands of people.

Chief Rabbi of the Israelite Association of Venezuela Isaac Cohen had written a letter to Rodríguez urging her to consider restoring diplomatic ties between the two countries.

“The Governments of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the State of Israel report that they have agreed to continue bilateral technical cooperation derived from the emergency and recovery efforts following the double earthquake, as well as to establish a coordination mechanism for the provision of consular services to their respective citizens residing in both countries,” said Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Minister Félix Plasencia González in a statement on X.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry likewise issued a statement announcing the shift in relations.

“The Governments of the State of Israel and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela announce that, following the visit of the Israeli humanitarian delegation to Venezuela in the wake of the double earthquake that occurred on June 24, and further to talks held between senior officials from both sides, the two countries have agreed to continue their bilateral technical cooperation stemming from the emergency response and reconstruction efforts following the double earthquake,” the ministry stated.

“The two countries have also agreed to establish a coordination mechanism that will enable the provision of consular services, as needed, to their citizens residing in the other country,” it added.

“The two governments recognize the importance of the relationship between the State of Israel and the Jewish community residing in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, which serves as an important bridge of historic friendship between the two countries,” it concluded.

For years, Venezuela had allied itself with Iran, which opposed the U.S. mission in Caracas that resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro. That alliance is now rupturing, as Venezuela pivots toward Israel.