In response to the recent attacks carried out by Iran against Israel, the Israeli government has expressed dissatisfaction with Brazil’s foreign policy. According to Israel, Brazil’s statement released by Itamaraty did not adequately address the severity of the attacks. This has caused further diplomatic tension between Brazil and Israel, as experts believe it demonstrates Brazil’s increasing distance from Western countries.
Brazilian Chancellor Mauro Vieira has clarified that the initial note was issued early in the attacks, before the full extent of the situation was known. However, despite criticism from Israeli Ambassador Daniel Zonshine for failing to condemn the attacks, Brazil maintains that it condemns all acts of violence.
This stance by Brazil is seen as another example of its departure from Western countries and their established norms of denouncing terrorism. While Western countries and the European Union unequivocally condemned Iran’s attacks, Brazil’s response has drawn criticism for not aligning with these norms. This deviation is viewed as part of President Lula’s broader approach to global politics, which some view as aligning more closely with autocratic regimes rather than Western democracies.
President Lula has previously made controversial comments against Israel, causing backlash from Israeli leaders. Lula’s past statements comparing Israel’s actions to the Holocaust and supporting accusations of genocide against Israel have strained diplomatic relations between the two countries. Additionally, Lula’s approach to Iran has been a defining factor in Brazil’s foreign policy during his presidency. Despite recent criticisms and tensions, Brazil remains committed to condemning violence and promoting peaceful resolution of conflicts. However, its divergence in foreign policy approaches with Western countries continues to be a point of contention in international relations.
