Brazil withdrew its ambassador to Israel on Wednesday in protest against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, marking the latest development in months of strained relations between the two nations.
The decision, announced in Brazil’s official gazette, follows President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s frequent criticism of Israel’s offensive in Gaza, likening it to the Holocaust. Israel’s Foreign Minister summoned the Brazilian ambassador earlier this year for a public reprimand at the national Holocaust museum in Jerusalem.
Although Brazil had previously recalled its ambassador in response to the incident, Wednesday’s move represents a further escalation and diplomatic downgrade. The Brazilian Embassy in Israel will remain operational but without an ambassador.
According to an official at Brazil’s foreign ministry, the withdrawal was prompted by Israel’s treatment of Ambassador Frederico Meyer. Frederico Meyer has been reassigned to Geneva to join Brazil’s permanent mission to the United Nations and other international organizations.
The Israeli Confederation of Brazil expressed regret over Brazil’s decision, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and balance in diplomacy.
Meanwhile, Brazil’s foreign ministry applauded Ireland, Norway, and Spain for formally recognizing a Palestinian state, reiterating Brazil’s support for the two-state solution. Israel has condemned this diplomatic gesture.
In a related development, Colombia recently severed diplomatic ties with Israel, joining Bolivia and Belize in taking a stand against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The conflict, now in its 8th month, began when the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, leading to a significant loss of civilian lives on both sides. Brazil’s recall of its ambassador underscores the international community’s growing concern over the ongoing violence and its commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
