+ ↺ − 16 pxVenezuela and Israel have agreed to restore consular relations, marking a major shift in Caracas’ foreign policy 17 years after Venezuela severed ties with Israel in 2009. Venezuela, which ​ended relations 17 years ago over Israeli attacks ​in the Gaza Strip, has strengthened ties with ⁠Israel-allied Washington since the U.S. captured President Nicolas ​Maduro in January, pushing it away from its ​historic alignment with Iran, Reuters reported. Venezuela's government, now led by Interim President Delcy Rodriguez, said an Israeli humanitarian delegation visited the country after ​deadly earthquakes in June and discussions took place ​among senior officials from both nations, leading to the deal ‌to ⁠resume consular services. "Both governments recognize the importance of the relationship between the State of Israel and the Jewish community in Venezuela, which constitutes an important historic ​bridge of friendship ​between the ⁠two countries," Venezuela's government said in a statement, which was also issued by ​Israel's foreign ministry. Iran for years has ​allied itself ⁠with Venezuela, a fellow global oil producer that had similarly suffered under years of U.S. sanctions, and condemned ⁠Washington's ​recent intervention in Caracas.