Israel cuts ties with Brazil after rejection of new ambassador

Brazil’s rift with Israel has deepened after President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva declined to approve Gali Dagan as Israel’s new ambassador, following the retirement of Daniel Zonshine. Relations had already soured when Lula recalled Brazil’s envoy from Tel Aviv in 2023 and accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, comparing its actions to the Nazi Holocaust. Israel retaliated by declaring Lula persona non grata and condemning Brazil’s “hostile stance” since October 7. With Brazil refusing Dagan’s appointment, Israel withdrew its request and downgraded relations, leaving ties between the two countries at a reduced diplomatic level.