At 8:00 a.m. local time (3:00 p.m. Israel time) on Monday, the IDF began a comprehensive mapping and classification of damaged structures in Venezuela, distinguishing those slated for demolition from those that might be salvaged. The operation follows the devastating June 24 earthquakes that have claimed at least 3,300 lives and likely many more victims.
The mission is led by Israeli Defense Forces Brigadier General Elad Edri. Unlike previous deployments—such as the large‑scale operations in Turkey—this delegation is notably smaller and has a distinct scope tailored to Venezuela’s requirements.
Past Israeli missions have fielded more than 400 personnel, but at Venezuela’s request this team numbers only about 30 specialists, Edri said.
IDF’s Venezuelan mission emphasizes civil‑engineering assessment of damaged structures
Unlike past deployments where the IDF concentrated on immediate rescue efforts, Edri explained that the Venezuelan operation focuses on deploying engineering experts to evaluate the structural vulnerability of surviving damaged buildings.
Additionally, the IDF engineers have advised Venezuelan authorities on proper debris management and clearance procedures.
After reviewing several proposals from the IDF engineering team, Caracas has opted to recycle the debris and incorporate it into future reconstruction projects, Edri reported.
Another distinguishing factor is the absence of Colonel Golan Vach, a veteran of the 2023 Turkey rescue mission and the 2026 operation to recover Israel’s final hostage, Ran Gvili. Vach’s non‑involvement underscores the mission’s specialized engineering focus.
Had the operation been a conventional rescue effort, Colonel Vach would likely have been assigned, Edri noted.
Venezuelans welcome the modest IDF engineering team
Edri reported that the small Israeli team has been greeted warmly by Venezuelan authorities. The personnel remain in uniform with Israel’s insignia visible, have met members of the local Jewish community—approximately 5,000 individuals—and are being guarded by Venezuelan security forces.
After the June 24 quake, the IDF delegation departed Israel on June 30, traversed multiple stopover points, and arrived in Venezuela on July 1, Edri said.
He added that other international aid teams have faced travel delays of four to five days due to logistical challenges and the prevailing disorder in Venezuela, complicating rapid deployment to the affected zones.
Even the IDF was unable to fly directly to Caracas; the team landed in Valencia and then proceeded to Caracas via domestic transport.
Edri expects the delegation to return to Israel on July 12, although an IDF spokesperson indicated that the departure date may be revised based on directives from Israel’s political and diplomatic leadership.