Venezuela opposition leader Maria Corina Machado named Nobel Peace Prize winnerOrganisers of the prestigious prize say the 58-year-old's show of courage by staying in her country despite threats has inspired millions.
Friday 10 October 2025 10:15, UK
news.sky.com
Pro-market from a foreign opposition leader usually means they are going to sell off the country's vital resources to foreign investors. Reports seem credible in light of known appeals to the U.S., which had business interests inside Venezuela, to violently oust the current government.
Reports that Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for help to overthrow President Nicolás Maduro are unsubstantiated. The claim appears to have originated in 2018 and has circulated primarily among left-wing news outlets critical of Machado and U.S. foreign policy.
Key facts regarding the claim
- Source of the claim: The news outlet Liberation News, connected to the U.S. Party for Socialism and Liberation, reported in August 2024 on a purported 2018 request by Machado for Netanyahu's help. The outlet describes Machado as a "staunch Zionist" and notes the opposition's close ties with far-right governments in Latin America and the U.S.. No mainstream news organizations have corroborated this claim.
- Political stance: Machado is known for her conservative, pro-market views and is a staunch opponent of the socialist Maduro government. In 2025, she won the Nobel Peace Prize for her work promoting democracy in Venezuela.
- Support for U.S. intervention: Machado's political camp has advocated for international pressure and military action against the Maduro regime. In September 2025, The New York Times reported that advisors to former U.S. President Donald Trump, including Senator Marco Rubio, were pushing for military pressure to oust Maduro, and that Machado's faction backed the use of force.
- Current status: As of October 2025, Machado remains a leading figure in the Venezuelan opposition. Following a disputed 2024 election in which she was barred from running, she went into hiding, fearing for her safety under the Maduro regime.
Conclusion
While Machado has sought international assistance to pressure the Maduro regime, particularly from U.S. officials, credible sources have not verified the specific claim that she asked Benjamin Netanyahu for help. The story is tied to her general political leanings and opposition to Maduro, but direct evidence is lacking. |
