Bolivia and Venezuela cut their diplomatic ties with Israel in January 2009 after siding with Hamas in Operation Cast Lead.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Why Latin America turned

Specifically, since as Israel's leaders during Operation Cast Lead Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni are responsible for Israel's current predicament, it is necessary to understand their Kadima party's operating rationale.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Kadima's strategy for success

Just under a year later, Israel launched Operation "Cast Lead".

BBC: Slow recovery from wounds of Gaza conflict