VENEZUELA STOPS VISAS FOR ISRAELIS

Venezuela stops visas for Israelis (JPost)
Venezuela has ceased issuing tourist visas to Israelis, its embassy in Israel said Monday, accenting Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's harsh criticism of Israel....

Chavez recalled his top diplomat in Israel to protest what he called the "genocide" Israel was committing in Lebanon during Israel's 34-day war with Hizbullah guerrillas. He also termed Israel's military offensive in Lebanon as a "new Holocaust." Such a recall is one of the strongest diplomatic moves short of severing diplomatic relations.

Israel, in response, briefly called its ambassador to Venezuela to Israel for consultations. He has since returned to his post. But Venezuela's charge d'affaires has yet to return to Israel. Reached on Monday by phone from Venezuela, Hector Quintero said no tourist visas had been issued since his departure, two and half months ago.