IDF begins mapping 1,300 Venezuela buildings for demolition post-quake

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, July 7, 2026

The Israel Defense Forces have deployed a team to assess around 1,300 earthquake-damaged buildings in Venezuela to determine which should be demolished or salvaged. This effort supports Venezuelan authorities in making informed decisions for safer, more effective reconstruction following the devastating quake that killed at least 3,300 people.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has initiated a comprehensive survey of approximately 1,300 buildings in Venezuela to determine which structures should be demolished or could potentially be salvaged following the devastating earthquakes that struck the country on June 24. The seismic event resulted in at least 3,300 fatalities, with additional casualties still unconfirmed.

The operation, which began at 3 p.m. Israel time on Monday, is being conducted by an Israeli delegation led by Brigadier General Elad Edri. Unlike previous IDF missions to disaster zones such as Turkey, this contingent is notably smaller, comprising around 30 personnel rather than hundreds. Edri highlighted that the reduced size of the team aligns with requests from Venezuelan authorities and reflects a shift in the mission’s focus.

Rather than engaging in immediate search and rescue efforts, the IDF engineers are primarily involved in assessing the structural integrity of buildings that have sustained damage but remain standing. Their expertise is being used to help Venezuelan officials decide which buildings pose safety risks and require demolition, and which could be restored or reinforced.

In addition to evaluation work, the IDF has provided guidance on managing debris generated by the damaged buildings. The engineering experts have presented various options for handling the rubble to Venezuelan officials, who are currently weighing these recommendations as part of their recovery strategy.

The collaboration aims to support Venezuela’s long-term rebuilding efforts after one of the deadliest natural disasters in its recent history. The IDF’s specialized engineering assistance is intended to help local authorities make informed decisions that balance public safety with the efficient use of resources in the wake of widespread devastation.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.