Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly congratulated U.S. President Donald Trump on the military operation carried out in Venezuela, praising what he described as “brave and historic leadership” in the name of freedom and justice.

In a post on X, Netanyahu commended Trump’s decision and the performance of U.S. forces. “Congratulations, Mr. President, on your brave and historic leadership in the name of freedom and justice. I salute your determination and the brilliant action of your courageous soldiers,” he wrote.

The message followed the U.S. military offensive that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Israel’s swift endorsement aligned closely with Washington and was echoed by senior members of the Israeli government.

Israel’s statement

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said he was hopeful that Venezuela could restore “friendly relations” with Israel following what he called the end of Maduro’s “illegal tyranny.”

Meanwhile, Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli stated that Trump had delivered “a fatal blow to the global axis of evil.”

Chikli directly linked the Venezuelan leadership to Hezbollah and Iran, arguing that Maduro ran a criminal and drug-trafficking network that supported both actors.The attack on Venezuela once again placed Iran at the center of the shared strategic focus of Israel and the United States.

In that context, Netanyahu reiterated recent warnings that Israel would act again if Tehran resumes ballistic missile production or advances its nuclear program, facilities of which were targeted earlier this year.