In a move that has sent ripples through both Latin American and Middle Eastern diplomatic circles, Venezuelan opposition leader and newly minted Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado voiced her support for Israel in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on October 17, 2025. The exchange, confirmed by the Israeli prime minister’s office and reported by Reuters, comes at a critical juncture for Venezuela’s political future and the broader geopolitics of the Middle East.
According to Reuters, Machado congratulated Israel on the return of hostages under a recent ceasefire agreement in Gaza. She also expressed deep appreciation for Israel’s ongoing efforts against Iran, describing the Islamic Republic as a threat not only to Israel but also to Venezuela. "Israel’s efforts against Iran are important because Iran is a threat to both our countries," Machado said during the call, as relayed by the Israeli prime minister’s office. Her remarks underline a sharp departure from the current Venezuelan government’s foreign policy, which has maintained close ties with Iran and other adversaries of Israel.
The phone conversation was not only a gesture of solidarity but also a moment of mutual recognition. Prime Minister Netanyahu took the opportunity to congratulate Machado on her Nobel Peace Prize win, commending her ongoing efforts to promote democracy and peace in Venezuela. "Your commitment to democracy and peace is an inspiration," Netanyahu reportedly told Machado, according to the Israeli government statement.
Machado’s pro-Israel stance is not a sudden pivot. She has, for years, advocated for closer ties between Venezuela and Israel, positioning herself in stark contrast to President Nicolas Maduro’s administration, which has cultivated alliances with Iran, Russia, and other nations often at odds with Western interests. In fact, Machado has previously pledged that, should her movement come to power, Venezuela would move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This proposed shift would align Venezuela with a small but growing group of Latin American leaders who have taken similar steps, including Argentina’s President Javier Milei and former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
Most countries, wary of the sensitivities surrounding Jerusalem, have chosen to keep their embassies in Tel Aviv. The city of Jerusalem is claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians as their capital, and the international community has traditionally avoided actions that could be interpreted as taking sides in the long-standing conflict. Moving an embassy to Jerusalem is seen as a highly symbolic gesture, one that signals strong support for Israel’s claim to the city. Machado’s pledge, therefore, is both bold and controversial, especially given Venezuela’s historical alignment with the Palestinian cause under previous administrations.
Machado’s call to Netanyahu comes at a time of heightened tension in the Middle East. The ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which saw the return of Israeli hostages, is fragile at best. A senior Hamas official told Reuters that the group intends to maintain security control in Gaza during an interim period and could not commit to disarming. This position reflects the significant challenges facing U.S. and international efforts to secure a lasting end to the conflict. The official’s comments highlight the complexity of the situation: “We cannot commit to disarming. Security in Gaza must remain in our hands for now.” Such statements underscore the deep mistrust and the formidable obstacles that remain on the path to peace.
Machado’s support for Israel and her tough stance on Iran are likely to be welcomed by certain segments of the Venezuelan population, particularly those who favor a pro-Western orientation. However, her position could also provoke criticism at home, where opinions about Middle Eastern politics are often divided along ideological lines. Venezuela’s current government, led by President Maduro, has long championed the Palestinian cause and maintained diplomatic relations with Iran. The contrast between Machado’s foreign policy vision and that of the incumbent administration could not be more stark.
The Nobel Peace Prize win has catapulted Machado into the international spotlight, lending her voice additional weight on the global stage. Netanyahu’s public congratulations are a sign that Israel views her as a potential ally in Latin America—a region where alliances are often fluid and shaped by shifting political winds. The Israeli prime minister’s office made it clear that Machado’s commitment to democracy and peace is recognized and valued in Jerusalem.
Machado’s pledge to move the Venezuelan embassy to Jerusalem places her in the company of other Latin American leaders who have broken with tradition to demonstrate solidarity with Israel. Argentina’s President Javier Milei and former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro are notable examples. Their decisions to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital have been met with both praise and criticism, reflecting the contentious nature of the issue. For Machado, aligning with these leaders may serve to bolster her international credentials among Western allies while also signaling a new direction for Venezuelan foreign policy.
Still, the move would not be without risks. Most of the international community, including the European Union and many of Venezuela’s traditional partners, continue to support a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and have refrained from recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. By pledging to move the embassy, Machado risks alienating these actors, even as she seeks to curry favor with Israel and its allies.
In the domestic context, Machado’s stance could become a flashpoint in Venezuela’s ongoing political struggle. Her call with Netanyahu and her Nobel Peace Prize win have undoubtedly raised her profile, but they may also make her a target for criticism from government supporters and those who remain sympathetic to the Palestinian cause. A spokesperson for Machado did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the call, according to Reuters.
As the situation in Gaza remains tense and the international community searches for a path to peace, Machado’s actions highlight the increasingly global nature of regional conflicts. Her willingness to stake out a clear position on Israel and Iran suggests that, should she come to power, Venezuela’s foreign policy could undergo a dramatic transformation. Whether this shift will bring Venezuela closer to the West, or further polarize its domestic politics, remains to be seen.
For now, Machado’s phone call with Netanyahu stands as a symbolic gesture—one that underscores the importance of international alliances in shaping the future of nations. In a world where diplomacy is often conducted behind closed doors, her open support for Israel and her commitment to democratic values offer a rare glimpse into the evolving dynamics of both Venezuelan and Middle Eastern politics.