IDF Engineers Categorize Venezuela Buildings for Demolition or Repair

The Israel Defense Forces began at 8:00 a.m. local time on Monday to survey and classify structures across Venezuela as either slated for removal or possibly repairable after the June 24 earthquakes that claimed at least 3,300 lives and likely far more.

Brig. Gen. Elad Edri heads a modest delegation whose mission differs sharply from earlier IDF efforts in Turkey and other nations.

At Venezuela's request the current team numbers only about 30 specialists instead of the hundreds deployed previously.

Engineering Focus Replaces Rescue Operations

Rather than conducting immediate extractions, the IDF contingent supplies engineers who evaluate the stability of damaged yet standing edifices and advise on safe debris management.

Among several disposal strategies presented to Caracas authorities, officials selected a plan to recycle rubble for future construction projects.

Unlike prior operations, Col. Golan Vach, who led the 2023 Turkey mission and the early 2026 search for hostage Ran Gvili, has not participated because the assignment centers on technical evaluation instead of rescues.

Venezuelan Authorities Welcome Israeli Specialists

Edri reported that the host nation has embraced the compact expert group, allowing personnel to wear uniforms bearing Israeli insignia, meet members of the 5,000-strong local Jewish community, and receive robust protection from Venezuelan security services.

The delegation departed Israel on June 30, arrived in Venezuela on July 1 after several transit stops, and could not land directly in Caracas due to ongoing disorder, instead routing through Valencia.

Edri expects the team to return home on July 12, though timing remains subject to guidance from Israel's political leadership.