Is Israel a motive for a regime-change war with Venezuela?

From Tucker Carlson’s daily email:

“Since Hugo Chávez’s rise to power, Venezuela has become one of the most hostile countries to Israel and Zionism in Latin America,” Machado complained. “His successor continued the anti-Israeli line with even more intensity… thus, Venezuela, which previously maintained warm relations with Israel and even purchased security technologies from it, became a center of hostile propaganda toward Zionism,” she added.

We’re totally against a Venezuelan regime change war.

America’s storied history of similar failed endeavors gives little reason for confidence that the mission would prove a success, and even if that wasn’t true, Washington has plenty of pressing domestic issues to focus on rather than violently meddling in foreign politics. U.S. soldiers should not die fighting Nicolas Maduro. Believing this does not make us communist stooges.

With that being said, this looming story initially served as a breath of fresh air for one specific reason: finally, a debate on war that doesn’t involve Israel. The Israeli government’s influence in Washington has been at the center of every recent foreign policy issue, including obvious examples like Gaza and Iran, and a more subtle one like Russia. This isn’t reported much, but Israel’s desire to weaken Moscow’s Iran support is among neocons’ primary reasons for supporting Ukraine. Sorry if that’s offensive, but it’s true.

Venezuela must be different, right? How could Washington’s urge to overthrow the South American country’s government possibly relate to America’s “special ally” in the Middle East? Surely it couldn’t. Unless, of course, it does.

The Israeli news site Israel Hayom published an interview with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado on Saturday, revealing that yes, Israel does tie into the Venezuela story.

“Since Hugo Chávez’s rise to power, Venezuela has become one of the most hostile countries to Israel and Zionism in Latin America,” Machado complained. “His successor continued the anti-Israeli line with even more intensity… thus, Venezuela, which previously maintained warm relations with Israel and even purchased security technologies from it, became a center of hostile propaganda toward Zionism,” she added.

Pause for a moment. Why are Machado’s words significant? The answer is simple. If the U.S. ousts Maduro, Machado would take his place. The regime change fantasy would benefit her the most, as well as the causes she and her handlers champion. And one of those causes is Israel.

“Certainly,” she said when asked if she would restore her country’s diplomatic relations with the Israelis. “Venezuela will be Israel’s closest ally in Latin America… The Venezuelan people deeply admire Israel and will always defend its right to live in peace without threat to its existence.”

What the hell is going on here? Maduro has been in power for well over a decade, and the U.S. has never appeared all that serious about forcing him out. Then, pro-Israel Machado comes along, and thousands of American troops suddenly find themselves positioned to invade Caracas.

Like an Iranian regime change, replacing Venezuela’s government would definitely benefit Israel. Venezuela possesses nearly one-fifth of the world’s proven crude oil reserves, and the Israelis would doubtlessly love to gain access. But that doesn’t mean the U.S. military should have to facilitate the coup on their behalf.

If Israel wants Maduro gone, then good for them. They’re allowed to hold whatever ambitions they choose. The Israeli government does what it believes is best for Israel; it puts Israel First.

Washington is allowed to do the same by putting America First, and fighting a regime change war in Venezuela, Iran, or any other country on which Benjamin Netanyahu sets his sights does not fit the bill. This shouldn’t be controversial. It’s common-sense nationalism. Enough dead Americans in the name of foreign interests. Israel’s wants do not matter.