Brazil recalls its ambassador to 'Israel' due to Gaza genocide
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The Brazilian ambassador to the Israeli occupation has been removed from Tel Aviv until further notice, amid the latter's genocide in Gaza.
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Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks during the launch ceremony of the Tonelero submarine, made in Brazil with French technology, in Itaguai, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, Wednesday, March 27, 2024. (AP)
Brazilian President Lula Da Silva recalled his ambassador to "Israel" amid the latter's brutal genocide in Gaza and an ongoing diplomatic disagreement between Brazil and the occupation.
According to Brazil's official gazette, Ambassador Frederico Meyer was sent to Geneva as Lula's special representative at the United Nations and other international forums. Currently, the Brazilian embassy in Tel Aviv will be run by the Latin American country's charge d'affaires, with no ambassador until further notice.
In February, Brazil recalled its ambassador to "Israel" and summoned the Israeli ambassador to the country, the Brazilian Foreign Ministry announced, as reported by Reuters. This came shortly after the Israeli Foreign Minister announced that Lula Da Silva was "persona non grata" after he likened Israeli atrocities in Gaza to Hitler's actions in Nazi Germany.
Meyer had not returned to his position since then.
Read more: No peace without establishment of a Palestinian State: Brazil's Lula
Brazil backs Palestine
President Lula Da Silva was declared a "persona non grata" by the Israeli occupation, with its foreign minister saying he would not be welcome in "Israel" until Brazil officially retracts its president's statement.
However, Brazil announced that it had no plans to do so, with the directive from Lula being clear: there will be no retraction, and any responses will be conveyed through diplomatic channels.
In its most recent show of solidarity, Brazil delayed the signing of a contract with Israeli company Elbit Systems for 36 armored vehicles equipped with 155 mm howitzers, citing the need for political discussions amid pressure from human rights organizations and political figures to halt arms trade with "Israel" due to its ongoing atrocities in Gaza.
The deal, valued at up to $145 million, was postponed to address potential resistance from President Lula da Silva's Workers' Party (PT) and allies.
Jewish Voices for Liberation, in conjunction with Amnesty International, addressed Lula, in a letter, urging the Brazilian government to impose an arms embargo on "Israel".
According to local media, the letter read, "Seven months after the start of Israel’s most recent military offensive in the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian enclave has been transformed into a wasteland by the Israel Defence Forces," adding, "There is an urgent need for effective action by the Brazilian government to stop the ongoing offensive and mobilize the international system to take collective measures within international humanitarian and other international laws."
On their part, prominent figures in Brazil, including singer Chico Buarque and former ministers José Dirceu and Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, along with supporters of the Workers' Party (PT), supported this initiative and called on Lula to suspend all arms deals with "Israel".
