By DAYO ADESULU
CARACAS, Venezuela — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says its Home Front Command is carrying out the longest humanitarian assistance mission in its history, with Israeli experts continuing to support Venezuela’s recovery efforts weeks after a devastating disaster struck the South American nation.
According to the IDF, 32 Israeli emergency response experts remain on the ground in Venezuela, working alongside local authorities as the country transitions from emergency rescue operations to long-term rehabilitation.
Speaking from La Guaira, one of the areas hardest hit by the disaster near Caracas, Commander of the National Search and Rescue Unit and Head of the Emergency Mission, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yossi Pinto, said the scale of destruction is enormous.
“The coastline here has sustained extensive damage. Hundreds of buildings have been destroyed, making this a complex and large-scale disaster,” Pinto said.
He explained that the Israeli team is now in the third week of its deployment, focusing on helping Venezuelan authorities establish a comprehensive national assessment of the disaster, prioritize recovery efforts, and strengthen decision-making for long-term reconstruction.
Rather than conducting search-and-rescue operations alone, the Israeli experts are sharing the experience and disaster-management expertise they have gained from responding to emergencies in Israel and around the world.
“Our primary effort is focused on offering the knowledge, experience, and capabilities we have accumulated in Israel and around the world,” Pinto stated.
The IDF noted that the rehabilitation process is expected to last months or even years, making strategic planning and coordination essential for Venezuela’s recovery.
Pinto also emphasized that Israel’s continued presence is particularly valuable because most international emergency response teams have already completed their missions and left the country.
“We are working in close cooperation with the local authorities. They are highly receptive to the recommendations and insights we bring,” he said.
He expressed hope that the expertise and tools being provided by the Israeli mission would strengthen Venezuela’s ability to overcome the challenges of rebuilding communities devastated by the disaster.
The ongoing deployment highlights Israel’s expanding role in international humanitarian assistance through the IDF Home Front Command, which has participated in numerous disaster response operations worldwide over the past decades.
Why This Matters
The continuation of Israel’s humanitarian mission underscores the growing importance of international cooperation in disaster recovery. While emergency rescue operations often last only days or weeks, rebuilding damaged communities requires sustained technical support, planning, and expertise that can significantly influence long-term recovery efforts.
