Nobel Peace Prize Winner Maria Corina Machado under scrutiny for laureate over support to Israel
PTC News Desk: A controversy has erupted following the announcement of Venezuelan democracy activist Maria Corina Machado as the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner. Critics have accused her of supporting Israel’s military actions in Gaza and of previously calling for foreign intervention to overthrow Venezuela’s government.
Machado, a leading voice in Venezuela’s pro-democracy movement, has become a prominent symbol of civilian courage in the country’s struggle against dictatorship. The Nobel Committee recognized her for her efforts to promote democracy and defend human rights in Venezuela.
However, the decision quickly sparked backlash. The White House criticized the award, accusing the Nobel Committee of “placing politics over peace,” especially after the failure of a campaign that sought to portray President Donald Trump as a peacemaker who had resolved several international conflicts.
In her acceptance speech, Machado dedicated her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump, who in turn congratulated her and expressed his happiness over the honor.
Soon after, critics began circulating Machado’s old social media posts in which she expressed support for Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s party, accusing her of backing what they termed a “genocide” in Gaza.
While Machado had voiced solidarity with Israel following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, she had not explicitly endorsed the killing of Palestinians. Nevertheless, her long-standing pro-Israel stance is evident in her past statements—such as declaring that “Venezuela’s struggle is Israel’s struggle” and later describing Israel as a “true ally of freedom.”
She had also pledged that, if she ever came to power, Venezuela would relocate its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
- With inputs from agencies
