An Israeli delegation of 30 experts from the IDF Home Front Command is assisting Venezuela after devastating earthquakes — focusing on structural assessments, rebuilding efforts, and public safety rather than rescues.
Engineers are helping local officials inspect damaged buildings, determine what can be repaired, what is unsafe, and plan demolitions where needed.
Despite no official Israel–Venezuela diplomatic ties since 2009, the team says they have been welcomed by officials, residents, and Venezuela’s Jewish community while operating openly in IDF uniforms.
Deputy Commander of the Engineering Force, Major Ahed Shibli, said: "We are currently sorting out a residential building. We are currently in the basement, which is under the building, underground. We are currently going through the constructive elements inside the building - the columns and beams, checking to see if there are any cracks or subsidences in the load-bearing system."