Venezuela exports first crude oil shipment to Israel in years

Venezuela is exporting its first crude oil shipment to Israel since mid-2020, when Israel imported about 470,000 barrels, according to data from analytics firm Kpler.

Bloomberg News reported that the cargo is headed to the Bazan Group refinery in Haifa, Israel’s largest crude oil processor.

Venezuela and Israel currently have no diplomatic relations, while Caracas has aligned itself with Iran and adopted a strongly anti-Israel stance.

In early January, U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and transferred them to the United States to face narco-terrorism charges. “Maduro and his co-conspirators have, for decades, partnered with some of the most violent and prolific drug traffickers and narco-terrorists in the world, and relied on corrupt officials throughout the region, to distribute tons of cocaine to the United States,” reads the U.S. indictment.

The Israeli government praised the U.S. action against Maduro. 

“Israel commends the United States’ operation, led by President Trump, which acted as the leader of the free world,” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar wrote in a post on 𝕏.

“Israel welcomes the removal of the dictator who led a network of drugs and terror, and hopes for the return of democracy to the country and for friendly relations between the states,” he added.

The Venezuelan oil export to Israel is part of the South American country’s effort to diversify its oil exports following Washington’s removal of Maduro from power. Like Iran, Venezuela previously exported much of its oil to China. However, since January, Venezuela has also started exporting oil to the United States, Spain and now also Israel according to Bloomberg. 

Earlier this month, Israel’s foreign minister met with Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Prize laureate Maria Machado in Washinton D.C.

"María Corina Machado is a courageous woman, and her struggle is a source of inspiration to many in Venezuela and beyond. We discussed developments in Venezuela since the historic US Operation 'Absolute Resolve,' led by President Trump," Sa’ar announced after the meeting. 

"I wish the people of Venezuela that they may soon be able to choose their leadership in free elections, after the long years of repression under Maduro and Chávez," he added.

Machado also expressed hope that the countries would restore diplomatic relations in the near future: "Israel and Venezuela have historically shared very close ties, which we will reclaim and strengthen in this new era of democracy and freedom."

"Dear Minister Sa’ar, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to engage in an extensive conversation about the challenges and opportunities we face in a process that is already moving Venezuela toward democracy," she continued. 

Machado vowed to transform Venezuela into an ally of the free democratic world. 

"Our country will be a reliable and stable partner for the world’s democracies and will offer major opportunities for investment and exchange. Venezuela’s reintegration into the democratic world will also allow us to build global alliances in the face of those who threaten our security."