Brazil has withdrawn its ambassador to Israel in response to months of tensions over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. The move was announced in Brazil’s official gazette, with no official message yet received by Israel. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been critical of the offensive in Gaza, leading to diplomatic friction.
The removal of the ambassador represents an escalation, with the Brazilian Embassy still in place but without an ambassador. The decision was made in response to the humiliation of the Brazilian ambassador by Israel’s top diplomat. Meyer has been transferred to Geneva to join Brazil’s permanent mission to the United Nations.
In addition to the diplomatic rift with Brazil, Ireland, Norway, and Spain formally recognized a Palestinian state this week. Brazil welcomed this move and reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution. Israel defends its actions in Gaza as defensive, while other countries like Colombia, Bolivia, and Belize have also severed diplomatic ties with Israel over the conflict.