Netanyahu Congratulates Trump on Bold Military Action Against Venezuela’s Strongman Maduro

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday congratulated President Donald Trump following the capture of Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro in a U.S. military operation that removed the sitting leader from office.

In a post on X, Netanyahu credited Trump with decisive action and lauded the U.S. military forces involved. “Congratulations, President @realDonaldTrump, for your bold and historic leadership on behalf of freedom and justice,” Netanyahu wrote. “I salute your decisive resolve and the brilliant action of your brave soldiers.”

The operation, which took place early Saturday, saw American forces capture Maduro and fly him out of Venezuela—a stunning move that plucked a sitting leader from office after months of escalating Trump administration pressure on the oil-rich South American nation.

Maduro has ruled Venezuela for more than a decade, presiding over economic collapse, mass migration, and widespread allegations of corruption, drug trafficking, and human rights abuses. He has been targeted by U.S. sanctions and criminal indictments for years, with American officials accusing his regime of transforming Venezuela into a narco-state while crushing political opposition and manipulating elections.

Netanyahu’s comments framed the event as more than a tactical success, portraying it as a moral victory against authoritarian rule. His language echoed Trump-era rhetoric that emphasized strength, deterrence, and the use of force to confront hostile regimes.

During his presidency, Trump pursued an aggressive policy toward Maduro, imposing sweeping sanctions, recognizing opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s legitimate president, and repeatedly warning that military options were on the table.

Supporters argue that Trump’s hardline approach isolated Maduro internationally and weakened his grip on power. Critics, however, have questioned the long-term implications of U.S. involvement and warned of potential instability inside Venezuela following Maduro’s removal. The future of the country’s political leadership remains uncertain as global leaders weigh their next steps.