In a move that has heightened diplomatic tensions between Brazil and Israel, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's recent remarks comparing Israel's military campaign in Gaza to the Holocaust have sparked outrage and condemnation from Israeli officials.
During a press conference on the sidelines of an African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Lula made controversial statements, equating Israel's actions in Gaza to Adolf Hitler's campaign to exterminate Jews during World War II.
Describing the situation in Gaza as a "genocide," Lula's comments have drawn swift and strong reactions from Israeli authorities.
Israel responds
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced Lula's remarks as "disgraceful and grave," while Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz declared that Lula would not be welcomed in Israel until he retracts his statements and issues an apology to the Jewish people.
Katz went on to describe Lula's comments as "antisemitic" and emphasized that Israel "will not forget and we will not forgive" until the Brazilian President takes back his words.
Brazil takes strict action
In response to Israel's stance, Brazil has taken its own diplomatic measures. The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the recall of its ambassador to Israel and summoned Israel's ambassador to Brazil for a meeting in Rio de Janeiro.
This move signifies Brazil's firm stance on the matter and underscores the escalating rift between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Lula's remarks have also sparked domestic backlash in Brazil. The Brazil-Israel Institute condemned his comments as "vulgar" and warned of the potential for increased anti-Semitism.
Despite mounting pressure, sources close to Lula have indicated that there will be no retraction of his statements, with any further communication to be conducted through diplomatic channels.
