Israel has officially downgraded its diplomatic ties with Brazil following Brasilia's refusal to approve the appointment of Gali Dagan as its ambassador. This decision, announced today, is a direct response to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's controversial remarks comparing Israel's actions in Gaza to genocide.
The Israeli government reiterated that President Lula is considered a persona non grata, a status reflecting escalating tensions between the two nations. The remarks made by Lula, which he has maintained during the ongoing conflict, have drawn significant backlash from Israeli officials who view them as inflammatory.
This diplomatic rift comes amid a broader context of strained relations between Israel and several Latin American countries, particularly those led by leftist governments. Brazil has historically played a role in advocating for Palestinian rights, and Lula's administration has taken a more vocal stance against Israeli policies, particularly in relation to Gaza.
The downgrade in diplomatic ties is expected to impact bilateral relations, including trade and cooperation in various sectors. As previously reported, this situation follows a pattern of increasing political polarization on international platforms, similar to recent developments where other nations have faced backlash for their foreign policy statements.
