In an important diplomatic move, Brazilian President Luiz “Lula” da Silva recently instructed the Brazilian ambassador to Israel, Frederico Meyer, to return to Brasilia for consultations.
This decision followed Lula being declared “Persona non grata” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, upset by Lula’s criticism of a military invasion in Rafah, the last refuge in Gaza with 1.5 million Palestinians.
During an interview in Ethiopia, Lula compared Israel’s actions in Gaza to Hitler’s genocide against the Jews, leading to strong reactions both nationally and internationally. The Israeli Confederation of Brazil (Conib) criticized Lula’s remarks, and Netanyahu summoned the Brazilian ambassador for an immediate meeting.
The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is yet to release an official statement on Ambassador Meyer’s recall, leaving the future of relations uncertain. Brazil aligns itself with over 150 United Nations countries advocating for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the humanitarian consequences of a potential military invasion in Rafah.
Lula’s comparison of Israel’s response to Hitler’s actions has strained relations further, with Netanyahu expressing that such a comparison “trivializes” the Holocaust. Representatives of the Israeli community in Brazil expressed concern about Brazil’s “extreme and unbalanced stance” in the Middle East conflict.
Lula not only condemned Hamas’s attacks but also advocated for a “full and sovereign” state of Palestine. He called for the reform of the UN Security Council, emphasizing the need to end the veto power of countries with a permanent seat, citing roadblocks to conflict mediation and peace promotion.
Lula’s stance reflects Brazil’s official solidarity with the Palestinian people while condemning Hamas.
As Brazil navigates this diplomatic challenge, the repercussions of Lula’s recall of the ambassador are still moving through the country. The conflict between Hamas and Israel, discussed during Lula’s visits to Egypt and Ethiopia, remains a central focus. The resolution, as suggested by Lula, comes from the creation of a “sovereign” Palestinian state, a sentiment echoed at the 37th African Union Summit.
