Brazil has withheld approval for Israel’s ambassador Gali Dagan for two months, increasing tensions with Netanyahu’s government. The agrément request remains unanswered, signaling potential downgrading of relations, while criticisms over military actions in Gaza exacerbate the situation.
The Brazilian government, led by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has delayed granting approval for Israel to appoint Gali Dagan as its new ambassador for two months. This situation escalates tensions between Brazil and Israel under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In late January, Israel submitted a formal request for agrément to Brazil’s foreign ministry, Itamaraty, seeking Dagan’s appointment. However, as of February 19, Itamaraty had not provided a response to this request, following diplomatic protocol where non-responses indicate opposition to the nomination.
Should Brazil ultimately refuse approval, it would signify a significant decrease in diplomatic relations with Israel, which would then only have a chargé d’affaires representing its interests in Brazil. Itamaraty characterized the agrément process as “routine and confidential until agrément is granted,” thus refraining from further comments. The Israeli embassy in Brasília also did not provide a statement on the matter.
Relations have been strained recently due to critiques exchanged between the Lula and Netanyahu administrations regarding Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Gali Dagan, the nominee, is a qualified career diplomat who has served in various roles, including deputy chief of mission in Peru and positions within the EU and NATO delegations.
In summary, Brazil’s withholding of approval for Gali Dagan’s ambassadorial appointment may intensify diplomatic strains with Israel. As discussions continue regarding military actions in Gaza, the relationship between the two nations appears to be deteriorating further. This situation emphasizes the complexities of international diplomacy and the impact of political dynamics on bilateral ties.
Original Source: www1.folha.uol.com.br
