Venezuela has recalled its ambassador to Israel in protest against the
Jewish state's military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, Venezuelan President Hugo
Chavez said on Thursday.
"I have ordered the withdrawal of our ambassador in Israel" to show "our
indignation at seeing how the state of Israel continues ... bombarding, killing,
quartering," Chavez said in a speech.
Chavez, president of the world's fifth largest oil exporter, has been a sharp
critic of the U.S. government and has frequently expresses support for the
Palestinian people.
The Venezuelan response came after Israeli forces launched attacks in Lebanon
on July 12 to free two soldiers captured by the Lebanon-based guerrilla group
Hezbollah. The attacks have killed over 900 people, Lebanese Prime Minister
Fouad Siniora said Thursday.
Israel also launched an offensive in the Gaza Strip to free another kidnapped
soldier and halt rocket attacks from Palestinian militants.
