Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has removed Frederico Meyer from his position as ambassador to Israel and appointed him as Brazil’s special representative to Geneva, according to the official gazette published on Wednesday. This decision comes amidst a diplomatic spat between the two countries. Meyer’s removal follows his recall to Brazil a few months ago after Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz summoned him to convey that Lula da Silva was persona non grata in Israel. Katz’s action was prompted by Lula da Silva’s remarks likening Israel’s war on Gaza to the Holocaust. Meyer had not returned to Israel since his recall. In his new role, Meyer will represent Brazil at the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva. Brazil’s foreign relations ministry stated that a new ambassador to Israel will be announced in due course and that the embassy in Tel Aviv will be led by a charge d’affaires until then. The diplomatic row between Brazil and Israel stems from Lula da Silva’s comments comparing Israel’s offensive in Gaza to the Nazi genocide. Israel has been engaged in a conflict with Hamas, the ruling authority in Gaza, since an October 7th cross-border attack by militants. According to Israeli estimates, the conflict has resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and over 250 hostage-takings. Nearly 130 hostages are believed to remain captive in Gaza. Health authorities in Gaza report that the conflict has claimed the lives of more than 36,000 Palestinians. Israel’s objective is to eliminate the remaining significant formations of Hamas fighters in Rafah and secure the release of the hostages.
Brazil Removes Ambassador to Israel, Sends Him to Geneva
