Israeli leaders hail Trump’s bold military strike that captured Venezuela’s dictator Nicolás Maduro as a devastating blow to the Iran-Hezbollah terror axis.
Story Highlights
- Israeli Foreign Minister Sa’ar praises U.S. as “leader of the free world” after Maduro’s capture
- Netanyahu congratulates Trump for “bold leadership” in dismantling narco-terror regime
- Israeli officials view operation as major disruption to Iran-Hezbollah funding networks
- Israel expresses hope for renewed diplomatic ties with democratic Venezuela
Israeli Leaders Unite Behind Trump’s Venezuela Operation
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar led Israeli praise for the January 3, 2026 U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas. Sa’ar described America as acting as the “leader of the free world” while condemning Maduro’s regime as an “illegal tyranny” tied to international drug trafficking and terrorism. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted congratulations to Trump on social media, praising his “bold and historic leadership” and the “brilliant action of your brave soldiers.”
The unified Israeli response reflects deep frustration with Maduro’s anti-Israel policies and his regime’s support for Iran and Hezbollah. Opposition leader Yair Lapid and Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli also posted messages linking Maduro’s capture to warnings for Iran, demonstrating rare bipartisan Israeli support for Trump’s decisive action against America’s enemies.
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Breaking Iran’s Terror Funding Network
Israeli officials specifically highlighted how Maduro’s removal strikes at the heart of the Iran-Hezbollah terror financing operation. Chikli called the capture a “devastating blow to the global axis of evil,” referencing the well-documented connections between Venezuela’s narco-state and Iranian-backed terrorist organizations. These networks have used Venezuelan drug trafficking proceeds to fund attacks against Israeli civilians and American interests throughout the Middle East.
The operation disrupts a critical funding source that has enabled Iran to expand its regional terror proxy network despite international sanctions. Venezuelan oil revenues and drug profits have flowed directly to Hezbollah’s missile stockpiles threatening Israel’s northern border, making Maduro’s removal a strategic victory for both American and Israeli security interests.
Path to Renewed Diplomatic Relations
Venezuela severed diplomatic ties with Israel in 2009 over Operation Cast Lead in Gaza, with relations deteriorating further under Maduro’s socialist regime. Israeli officials now express optimism about restoring normal diplomatic relations with a democratic Venezuela, potentially opening new economic and strategic partnerships in South America. Sa’ar emphasized Israel’s solidarity with “freedom-loving Venezuelan people” seeking liberation from Maduro’s oppressive rule.
The prospect of renewed ties offers significant benefits for both nations, including potential energy cooperation and intelligence sharing against common threats. A democratic Venezuela aligned with American and Israeli interests would strengthen the Western alliance in Latin America while denying Iran a crucial foothold in the Western Hemisphere.
Sources:
Israel expresses hope for resumption of Venezuela ties after Maduro’s deposal
Israeli Foreign Minister praises U.S. action in Venezuela
Israeli officials link Maduro capture to Iran warnings
U.S. attacks on Venezuela prompt praise, anger, fear
