Brazil’s government has delayed the approval for Israel’s ambassador Gali Dagan, escalating tensions with Netanyahu’s administration. The lack of a response from Brazil raises concerns about a potential downgrade in diplomatic relations. This situation is compounded by recent criticisms exchanged over military actions in Gaza.
Brazil’s government, led by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has been holding up the necessary approval for Israel to appoint Gali Dagan as its new ambassador for over two months. This delay could exacerbate existing diplomatic tensions with Israel, governed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In late January, Israel formally requested agrément from Brazil’s Itamaraty to send Dagan as its head of mission. However, as of this Wednesday, no response has been provided by the Brazilian government. Traditionally, if a government opposes a diplomatic nomination, it remains unacknowledged rather than formally denied.
Should Brazil continue to withhold approval, it may lead to a downgrade in diplomatic relations, leaving Israel represented solely by a chargé d’affaires. Itamaraty remarked that such procedures are both “routine and confidential until agrément is granted,” and thus refrained from further comment.
The Israeli embassy in Brasília has also remained silent on this matter. Tensions between Lula and Netanyahu’s administrations have escalated due to criticisms exchanged over Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Gali Dagan, a seasoned diplomat, has been a part of Israel’s foreign ministry since 2006, previously serving in notable roles such as deputy chief of mission in Lima, Peru, and a counselor in delegations to the European Union and NATO.
The ongoing delay in approving Israel’s new ambassador underscores escalating diplomatic tensions between Brazil and Israel’s governments. If the Brazilian government continues to withhold agrément, it could signify a notable shift in their bilateral relations, greatly impacting diplomatic representation.
Original Source: www1.folha.uol.com.br
