Itamaraty sparked dissatisfaction with the Israeli government once again by failing to condemn Iran’s attacks. The Israeli government felt that the statement released by the ministry did not adequately reflect the severity of the attacks carried out by Iran. This move is seen by experts as an indication of Brazil’s distancing from Western countries and further escalating diplomatic tensions with Israel.
In the statement issued by Itamaraty, Brazil expressed “grave concern” over the attacks by Iran on Israel. Last Saturday, Iran launched an attack using drones and missiles against Israel, with the Israeli air defense intercepting the majority of the projectiles. The Brazilian government’s failure to explicitly condemn these attacks disappointed Israeli officials, who expected a stronger stance from Brazil.
Israeli Ambassador Daniel Zonshine expressed disappointment over Brazil’s response and the lack of immediate condemnation following the attacks on Israel. He hoped for a stronger stance from Brazil given the severity of the situation. Brazilian Chancellor Mauro Vieira clarified that the initial note was issued before the full extent of the attacks was known, but later affirmed Brazil’s condemnation of all acts of violence in the region.
Some experts see Brazil’s position as indicative of a broader trend of distancing from Western democratic nations and aligning more closely with autocratic regimes like China, Russia, and Venezuela. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ response has raised concerns about Brazil’s diplomatic direction and its role in global geopolitics.
This latest incident adds to a series of disagreements between Brazil and Israel in recent months. President Lula’s comments on the Israel-Palestine conflict, support for South African accusations against Israel, and reluctance to condemn Iran’s actions all contribute to strained relations between the two countries. Brazil’s historical alignment with Iran and other autocratic regimes continues to shape its foreign policy decisions, raising questions about its international standing.