An Israeli aid delegation set off Tuesday to Venezuela to assist in the aftermath of the powerful earthquakes that struck the South American country, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The group, which includes both military and civilian members, will help share “Israel’s expertise and experience in emergency response to help those who need it most,” the ministry said.

It came as Venezuelan authorities reported that at least 1,943 people were killed in the quakes, with tens of thousands more still missing, believed trapped under rubble. A United Nations official has said preparations are being made for 10,000 possible fatalities.

The Israeli delegation includes engineering professionals and other experts from the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command, as well as Foreign Ministry representatives. Experts from the National Emergency Management Authority are expected to join the group at a later stage.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar described dispatchment of the group as “a humanitarian act,” noting that Jerusalem and Caracas don’t have official diplomatic ties.

“Aid to the people themselves in these difficult moments is not related to politics – this is a humanitarian act,” Sa’ar told visiting Latin American evangelical leaders, according to a statement from his office.

Israel’s highly trained search-and-rescue experts regularly respond to natural disasters around the globe. The IDF has in the past sent delegations of dozens of soldiers, complete with specialized equipment and medical gear, to help in disaster zones. The Foreign Ministry gave no indication of how many people were sent to Venezuela.

Ambassador Yoed Magen, who grew up in Venezuela, will lead the Foreign Ministry’s activities in the delegation, while the military delegation will be headed by Home Front Command Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Elad Edri, the ministry said in an earlier statement.

Ahead of the delegation’s departure, Magen delivered a message in Spanish to the Venezuelan people.

From Israel to Venezuela. An Israeli aid delegation departed today to assist authorities and communities affected by the devastating earthquake, sharing Israel's expertise and experience in emergency response to help those who need it most. Ahead of the delegation's departure,… pic.twitter.com/GgecmvSjDV — Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 30, 2026

From Israel to Venezuela.

An Israeli aid delegation departed today to assist authorities and communities affected by the devastating earthquake, sharing Israel's expertise and experience in emergency response to help those who need it........

© The Times of Israel