Brazil’s government has delayed the approval of Israel’s ambassador for two months, raising tensions with Netanyahu’s administration. The Brazilian Foreign Ministry has not responded to Israel’s request for agrément for Gali Dagan. This delay could result in a downgraded diplomatic status with only a chargé d’affaires representing Israel.
The Brazilian government, led by President Lula, has been delaying the approval of Israel’s appointment of a new ambassador for two months, which could escalate tensions with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s administration. Israel applied for “agrément,” the official endorsement needed for diplomats, to appoint Gali Dagan as ambassador in late January.
As of January 19, the Brazilian Foreign Ministry (Itamaraty) had not responded to this request. Traditionally, when a governmental application for agrément is not addressed, it implies a rejection without formal denial. This situation suggests that should approval be declined, Brazil would downgrade its diplomatic relations with Israel, leading to representation only by a chargé d’affaires.
Itamaraty commented that these processes are “routine and confidential until agrément is granted” and refrained from further comments. The Israeli embassy in Brasília has also kept silent on the matter. Tensions have escalated between the two nations, particularly over Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Gali Dagan, the proposed ambassador, has a longstanding career within Israel’s foreign ministry, dating back to 2006. His previous roles include deputy chief of mission in Lima, Peru, and counselor in Israeli delegations to both the European Union and NATO.
President Lula’s hold on the approval for Gali Dagan’s appointment as Israel’s ambassador highlights rising diplomatic tensions between Brazil and Israel, particularly under the leadership of Netanyahu. The lack of formal approval by Itamaraty suggests possible downgrades in diplomatic relations, which could further complicate interactions between the two nations moving forward.
Original Source: www1.folha.uol.com.br
