Maduro Capture: Israel’s Geopolitical Gain https://gemini.google.com/share/b3ddf951e01c The capture of Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026, in the U.S. military operation “Absolute Resolve,” has indeed created a significant shift in the global geopolitical and energy landscape. 1. While the operation shares some strategic parallels with the recent fall of the Assad regime in Syria—specifically in how it dismantles an Iranian-aligned “axis of resistance” member—the involvement of Israel and the impact on oil prices are nuanced. Mossad’s Role: Strategic Partner or Silent Observer? There is no official evidence that the Mossad participated in the tactical planning or execution of the operation to

Maduro Capture: Israel’s Geopolitical Gain  gemini.google.com/share/b3dd…

The capture of Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026, in the U.S. military operation “Absolute Resolve,” has indeed created a significant shift in the global geopolitical and energy landscape.

1. While the operation shares some strategic parallels with the recent fall of the Assad regime in Syria—specifically in how it dismantles an Iranian-aligned “axis of resistance” member—the involvement of Israel and the impact on oil prices are nuanced.

Mossad’s Role: Strategic Partner or Silent Observer?

There is no official evidence that the Mossad participated in the tactical planning or execution of the operation to capture Maduro. Reports indicate that “Absolute Resolve” was a strictly U.S.-led mission involving:

The CIA: Responsible for months of covert intelligence gathering and tracking Maduro’s daily habits.2
U.S. Delta Force: The primary kinetic unit that breached Maduro’s compound at the Puerta Tizona military base.3
U.S. Joint Forces: Over 150 aircraft and the USS Iwo Jima were involved in the strike and transport.4

The “Zionist” Narrative
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez claimed the operation had a “Zionist tint,” but analysts view this as a rhetorical tool rather than a statement of fact.5 This language mirrors the Maduro regime’s long-standing alliance with Tehran, which often frames domestic or American actions through the lens of anti-Zionist conspiracy.6+1

The Benefit to Israel: Geopolitical vs. Economic

Israel’s primary gain from Maduro’s ouster is geopolitical rather than directly related to oil prices:

Dismantling Iran’s “Outer Ring”: Under Maduro, Venezuela served as a strategic hub for Iran and Hezbollah in the Western Hemisphere, providing gold, financial laundering, and safe havens.7
The “Assad Parallel”: Much like the fall of Assad removed an Iranian land bridge in the Middle East, Maduro’s capture removes a “financial bridge” for Iran in South America.
New Alliances: Opposition figures like Maria Corina Machado have been vocal about restoring ties with Israel and purging Hezbollah influence from Venezuelan soil.8

The Oil Market Impact

While you noted a “predicted fall” in oil prices, the immediate market reaction on Monday, January 5, 2026, has been mixed:

Initial Volatility: Brent crude and WTI initially dipped slightly (around $60 and $57 respectively) as traders weighed the potential for a massive influx of Venezuelan oil in the long term.9
The “Reality Check”: Prices stabilized quickly because experts note that Venezuela’s oil infrastructure is in such disrepair that it may take years of Western investment before production can significantly impact the global glut.
Israel’s Economic Gain: Lower oil prices generally help Israel’s economy by reducing import costs and cooling inflation. However, the current “oversupply” in the market was already present due to OPEC+ policies and the war in Ukraine potentially winding down.10

Would you like me to look into how the transition government in Venezuela is addressing the presence of Hezbollah and Iranian operatives now that Maduro is in U.S. custody?

— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Jan 5, 2026