Brazil has withheld approval for Israel’s new ambassador, escalating tensions with Netanyahu’s government. The agrément process has been pending since January, and without a response, diplomatic relations may be downgraded. Criticisms over Israel’s actions in Gaza have fueled the discord. Gali Dagan, a seasoned diplomat, is the proposed ambassador.
Brazil’s government, led by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has withheld approval for Israel to appoint a new ambassador for two months, a development that could strain relations with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration. The request for agrément, which is a formal process for diplomatic appointment, was received by Itamaraty, Brazil’s foreign affairs ministry, in late January. However, as of now, no response has been provided, a customary approach when a host government opposes a candidate without issuing a formal denial.
Failure to grant the agrément means that Israel’s representation in Brazil would be downgraded to a chargé d’affaires, reflecting a colder diplomatic posture. Itamaraty has emphasized that such processes remain confidential until the agrément is secured, hence they refrained from further commentary. The Israeli embassy in Brasília likewise has not released any statements regarding this matter.
The relationship between the two nations has soured in recent months due to criticisms exchanged concerning Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Gali Dagan, the proposed ambassador, is a seasoned diplomat who has been with Israel’s foreign ministry since 2006, previously holding prominent roles in Lima, Peru, and within delegations to the European Union and NATO.
In conclusion, Brazil’s delay in approving Israel’s ambassador has introduced a significant tension between the two countries, particularly in light of recent military conflicts in Gaza. Should the agrément not be granted, it will signal a noted reduction in diplomatic relations, with Brazil operating under a chargé d’affaires instead of a formal ambassador. This situation underscores the complexities of international diplomacy and the sensitivities surrounding bilateral relations between Brazil and Israel.
Original Source: www1.folha.uol.com.br
