Venezuela dispatched its first crude oil shipment to Israel in over 15 years on February 9, 2026, signaling a thaw in relations following Nicolas Maduro's removal and the lifting of long-standing US sanctions.
The tanker, carrying thousands of barrels from Venezuela's Orinoco Belt, docked at Israel's Ashdod port, marking a commercial revival halted since around 2009 amid ideological rifts and embargoes. The deal, brokered through intermediaries, reflects Jerusalem's diversification push amid global energy shifts and Caracas' need for revenue under interim leadership.
Venezuelan officials hailed it as economic normalization, while Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen called the cargo "a pragmatic step for mutual benefit." No disruptions or incidents reported during transit, with volumes described as modest but symbolic.
Opposition voices in both nations criticized the trade—Venezuelans decrying ties to Israel amid Gaza tensions, Israelis wary of quality and reliability. Analysts link it to broader realignments, including potential OPEC+ adjustments. The shipment underscores Venezuela's pivot from anti-Western alliances, with more deliveries eyed if stable.
