Brazil has reportedly withdrawn its ambassador from Israel due to Israel's ongoing attacks on Gaza. According to reports in the Brazilian press, the government has recalled Ambassador Frederico Meyer to engage in "consultations."
NO APPOINTMENT IN THE NEAR FUTURE
Brazil's diplomatic representation in Israel will continue to operate at the level of chargé d'affaires. A senior Brazilian official speaking to the national press stated that a new ambassador will not be appointed to Israel in the near future.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz stated that Brazilian President Lula da Silva was declared an "undesirable person" on February 19 in response to his likening of Israel's occupation of Gaza to the actions of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. President Lula da Silva had described Israel's occupation of Gaza as "genocide," comparing it to what Hitler had done, and stated that what was happening in the Gaza Strip was not a war but a genocide. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also expressed his objection to Lula da Silva's words, stating that a "red line had been crossed."
