Israel and Brazil experience diplomatic tension following recent remarks made by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva concerning the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The diplomatic tension between the two nations have escalated significantly as a result of these remarks.
President Lula’s Remarks
President Lula’s comments, likening Israel’s military operation in Gaza to the Holocaust have sparked controversy and condemnation. Due to this talk, President Lula has drawn a strong reaction from Israeli officials and the international community.
“What’s happening in the Gaza Strip with the Palestinian people hasn’t happened at any other moment in history. Actually, it has happened: when Hitler decided to kill the Jews.” Lula made these remarks to reporters while in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, where he was participating in an African Union summit.
“What’s happening in the Gaza Strip isn’t a war; it’s a genocide. It is not a war of soldiers against soldiers, It is a war between a very prepared army and women and children,” he added.
Israeli Response
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wasted no time in criticizing President Lula for his remarks, accusing him of crossing a “red line.” Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz echoed Netanyahu’s sentiments, stating that President Lula would remain unwelcome in Israel until he retracts his statement and issues an apology.
“We won’t forget or forgive,” stated Katz, who intentionally selected the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem, Yad Vashem, as the location to deliver his criticism.
“This is a grave antisemitic attack. On behalf of Israel and its people, convey this message to President Lula: he is not welcome in Israel until he retracts his statement,” he continued.
Brazilian Reaction
Brazil recalled its ambassador to Israel for consultations as relations between the two nations rapidly deteriorated following President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva ‘s comparison of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza to the Holocaust.
The decision to recall Ambassador Frederico Meyer from Tel Aviv, confirmed in a statement by Brazil’s foreign ministry, came shortly after the Israeli government summoned him to the Holocaust Museum, where he was admonished for President Lula’s remarks on Sunday. This move highlights Brazil’s stance on the matter and underscores the gravity of the diplomatic rift between the two nations.
Impact on G20 Conference
President Lula’s remarks come at a crucial time as Brazil prepares to host the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. High profile attendees such as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, expected to participate in this conference. The Gaza conflict and the Ukraine conflict are likely to be significant topics of discussion during this conference. This statement by the president of Brazil adds another layer of complexity to an already tense diplomatic situation.
The diplomatic tension between Israel and Brazil underscores the complexities of international relations, particularly in the context of sensitive geopolitical issues such as the conflict in Gaza. President Lula’s remarks have further exacerbated the situation, highlighting the importance of diplomatic dialogue and careful diplomacy in resolving conflicts.
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