JERUSALEM — Israel views the US military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro as a significant blow to Iran’s regional influence, hoping the move will weaken Tehran and Hezbollah’s presence in the country.

Israeli officials say Venezuela has for years served as a key foothold for Iran in Latin America, providing operational space for Hezbollah and other Tehran-backed actors under the governments of the late Hugo Chavez and his successor. Israel hopes Maduro’s removal could disrupt those networks and reduce Iran’s ability to project power in the region, experts say.

Beyond the security dimension, the Netanyahu government views Maduro’s downfall as potentially accelerating a broader political shift across Latin America, weakening left-wing governments hostile to Israel while strengthening more Israel-friendly camps. Bolivia is a precedent: After severing ties with Israel under leftist President Luis Arce in October 2023, La Paz renewed relations in December 2025 following the election of right-wing candidate Rodrigo Paz Pereira — a change Israel would like to see mirrored in Venezuela and elsewhere.

Venezuela’s ties to Iran, Hezbollah