In a significant diplomatic move, Brazil has withdrawn its ambassador to Israel, heightening tensions over the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The decision comes as a response to Israel's military campaign in Palestine and reflects Brazil's growing dissatisfaction with Israel's actions. The withdrawal was announced by the government of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Wednesday, transferring Ambassador Frederico Meyer from Tel Aviv to Geneva to head the mission at the United Nations (UN) Conference on Disarmament.
The immediate catalyst for this withdrawal appears to be an incident where Ambassador Meyer was reportedly humiliated by Israel's top diplomat. An official at Brazil's foreign ministry indicated that this incident played a critical role in the decision to reassign Meyer. Despite this significant diplomatic gesture, Israel's foreign ministry has not yet received an official notification from Brazil and plans to discuss the issue with Brazil's chargé d’affaires.
The reallocation of Ambassador Meyer is not just a personnel change but a strategic political maneuver. Bruno Fabricio Alcebino da Silva, a researcher at the Federal University of ABC's Observatory of Brazilian Foreign Policy (OPEB), interpreted this move as a clear political statement. “This sends a strong message about the level of priority that the Lula government attaches to the relationship with the current Israeli government,” he explained. While this action does not sever diplomatic ties completely, it underscores Brazil's profound dissatisfaction with Israel's policies in Gaza.
In February, Ambassador Meyer was recalled to Brasilia after the Israeli government summoned him following President Lula's controversial remarks likening the military deployment in Gaza to actions taken by Adolf Hitler during World War II. This historical parallel drew significant backlash from Israel and highlighted the increasing strain in Brazil-Israel relations.
Brazil's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been marked by its support for Palestinian statehood and criticism of Israeli military actions. The Foreign Ministry of Brazil recently welcomed the decisions by Spain, Ireland, and Norway to officially recognize Palestine's statehood, joining over 140 countries that have done so since Brazil's recognition in 2010. “The growing number of countries that recognize the State of Palestine is a notable historical advance that contributes to responding to the people's yearnings for peace, freedom, and self-determination,” stated Itamaraty, Brazil’s foreign ministry.
Reaffirming its commitment to a two-state solution, Brazil's foreign ministry articulated, “Brazil reaffirms its defense of the two-state solution, with an independent and viable State of Palestine living side by side with Israel, in peace and security, within the 1967 borders, which includes the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
President Lula has been vocally critical of Israel's actions under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. At a recent event in Guarulhos, São Paulo, he called for international solidarity with the Palestinian people, particularly highlighting the plight of women and children. “We cannot remain silent in the face of aberrations,” Lula asserted, condemning the Israeli government's actions.
Brazil's Foreign Ministry echoed this sentiment, stating that Israel's military operations in Gaza systematically violate human rights. This stance aligns with the recent call by the International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor for the arrest of Prime Minister Netanyahu on charges of war crimes, including the use of hunger as a weapon of war. Israel has denied these allegations, claiming its actions are aimed at protecting civilians.
The withdrawal of the ambassador and the subsequent diplomatic reshuffling is a strong indicator of Brazil's position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By replacing the ambassador with a chargé d’affaires, Brazil sends a clear message of discontent and disapproval, reflecting a deliberate strategy to assert its stance on the international stage. This move not only emphasizes Brazil's critical view of Israel's military actions but also underscores its commitment to supporting Palestinian statehood and advocating for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
