The statement comes after the US bombed the oil-rich South American country and captured President Nicolás Maduro.
The Israeli opposition leader urged Iran to “pay close attention to what is happening in Venezuela” in an apparent threat of violent regime change.
Yair Lapid made the comment in a brief post on X after the United States launched attacks against Venezuela and said it had captured President Nicolás Maduro.
His statements came as officials and politicians around the world condemned the US operation in the oil-rich South American country as a violation of international law.
Iran, an ally of Venezuela, was one of the first countries to condemn the US for the “flagrant violation of national sovereignty and territorial integrity [da Venezuela]”.
“The US military attack on Venezuela constitutes a clear violation of the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and the basic norms of international law,” Iran’s Foreign Ministry said.
The statement added that US military aggression could have consequences around the world, highlighting Venezuela’s “inherent right to defend its national sovereignty, territorial integrity and right to self-determination.”
Israel welcomed Maduro’s ouster.
“Israel welcomes the removal of the dictator who led a drug and terrorism network and hopes for the return of democracy to the country and the establishment of friendly relations between states,” said Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on the Xth.
Trump threatens Iran
On Friday, Trump threatened to intervene in Iran following protests over the cost of living crisis.
“If Iran violently shoots and kills peaceful protesters, which is its custom, the United States of America will come to its aid,” he said.
“We are ready to go into action, with everything ready for combat.”
Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, responded on X: “Trump should know that US intervention in an internal problem amounts to chaos throughout the region and the destruction of American interests,” probably referring to US military bases in the region that Tehran could attack, as it did last year in Qatar.
Earlier this week, Trump said “Iran is trying to rebuild itself” after the US bombed its nuclear facilities in June during a 12-day Israeli attack on the country.
“If they are, we’re going to have to take them down… We’re going to put an end to them once and for all,” Trump said.
“But I hope that doesn’t happen. I heard that Iran wants to make a deal. If they want to make a deal, that’s much smarter,” he added.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who met with Trump earlier this week in the US, made clear during interviews with American media that he was advocating a resumption of military action against Iran and seeking US support.
“They were imposing their influence everywhere, exporting terrorism not only to all parts of the Middle East, but also to Venezuela,” Netanyahu told the Trump-aligned Newsmax TV channel.
“They are in cahoots with the Maduro regime,” he said.
Originally published by Middle East Eye on 03/01/2026
By Mera Aladam
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2026/01/03/lider-israelense-ao-ira-observe-a-venezuela/
