Israel Develops National Reconstruction Plan for Earthquake-Hit Venezuela

Following twin earthquakes on June 24 that killed 3,342 people and injured 16,470, the Government of Venezuela requested humanitarian and engineering assistance from Israel. Despite having no formal diplomatic relations since 2009, the two nations coordinated a multi-phase response involving search-and-rescue teams and long-term urban planning.

An initial rescue delegation comprising personnel from Magen, Ready for Rescue, and SmartAID deployed on June 28 to recover bodies and clear access routes at high-rise collapse sites. This was followed by a mission of 30 engineering experts from the Israel Defense Forces, led by Brigadier General Elad Edri. This team mapped roughly 1,300 damaged structures, including schools and hotels, to determine whether they should be demolished or salvaged.

IDF specialists provided guidance on debris management, leading Venezuela to adopt a recycling process to reincorporate rubble into future construction. The delegation produced a comprehensive multi-year national reconstruction plan for Caracas and surrounding coastal regions, which was presented to Venezuela's infrastructure minister. While the primary rescue mission concluded on July 6, engineering teams continue to evaluate structural integrity. Major Ahed Shibli reported that some residential buildings remain in good condition despite minor upper-floor damage.

Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez defended the state's disaster response and announced a new military unit dedicated to emergencies. The IDF delegation is expected to return to Israel around July 12.