Venezuela makes first crude oil shipment to Israel since 2009, says report

Venezuela is reportedly sending its first crude oil shipment to Israel in 17 years, marking a significant shift in relations. Diplomatic and trade ties were previously severed in 2009 by then-President Hugo Chavez. This development follows the US taking control of Venezuela's oil industry after the reported abduction of President Nicolas Maduro, although a Venezuelan official has denied the shipment report. The move also coincides with a meeting between Israel’s foreign minister and a Venezuelan opposition leader. Under a US-brokered agreement, funds from oil sales are deposited into a restricted account and the US has prohibited China and Russia from dealing in Venezuelan oil.