January 7, 2026 – In the wake of a bold U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, several prominent Israeli political figures have issued statements suggesting that Tehran should take note of the events unfolding in Caracas.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid posted on social media shortly after the news broke, stating that Iran’s leadership “should pay close attention to what is happening in Venezuela.” His remark, made amid ongoing economic protests in Iran, has been widely interpreted as an implicit caution about the potential consequences for regimes facing internal unrest and international pressure.
Other Israeli voices echoed similar sentiments. Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli described the U.S. action as a significant setback to networks supporting Iran and its proxies, calling it a “clear message” to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Additionally, a group of retired Israeli security officials reportedly viewed the operation as a broader signal to authoritarian governments aligned against Western interests.
The context stems from long-standing ties between Venezuela and Iran, which have included economic cooperation, sanctions evasion, and alleged support for regional proxies. Under Maduro’s leadership, Caracas had deepened relations with Tehran, providing a distant hub for mutual interests far from the Middle East. Israeli officials have long expressed concerns over these links, viewing the removal of Maduro as disrupting a key node in Iran’s global network.
Meanwhile, Iran has strongly condemned the U.S. intervention in Venezuela, labeling it a violation of sovereignty, while domestic challenges continue to mount in Tehran with widespread demonstrations over economic hardships.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar have praised the U.S. for its decisive steps, expressing hope for improved bilateral relations with a post-Maduro Venezuela and a return to democratic norms in the South American nation.
As global reactions pour in—ranging from condemnation by some Latin American and Middle Eastern states to support from others—the episode highlights shifting geopolitical dynamics, with ripple effects extending to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Analysts note that while the U.S. operation focused on longstanding charges against Maduro related to narcotics and governance issues, its timing coincides with heightened scrutiny on Iran’s internal stability and foreign alliances. Whether these developments signal broader policy shifts remains a topic of intense international debate.
