Lula again compared Israel to “terrorists” Ricardo Stuckert/Presidency of the Republic November 24, 2023
Representatives of the Jewish community in Brazil once again criticized President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for saying that Israel’s response to the Hamas group’s attacks in the Gaza Strip was “a thousand times more serious than the acts of the terrorists.” The Brazilian leader’s statement came during an interview with Qatari television Al Jazeera, broadcast on Friday evening (1).
Following Lula’s interview, the Israeli Confederation of Brazil (Conib) issued a statement in which it “deeply regretted that President Lula has compared Israel’s defense measures to genocide.” “It is a false accusation that, when it comes from the President of the Republic, takes on even more serious dimensions. Conib once again asks the authorities for calm and balance in this tense and painful moment when antiSemitic demonstrations are increasing in Brazil and around the world.”
Lula spoke to Isaac Herzog on Friday about the release of a Brazilian hostage. Disclosure Isaac Herzog
Lula’s comments also drew criticism from members of the National Congress who defend good relations between Brazil and Israel. The first secretary of the BrazilianIsraeli parliamentary group, federal deputy Rosana Valle (PLSP), said R7 that there is a lack of “knowledge of the President of the Republic” and that “Lula still does not know who the terrorist of history is”.
• Click here and receive news from R7 on your WhatsApp
• Share this news via WhatsApp
• Share this news on Telegram
• Subscribe to the R7 em Ponto newsletter
“Unfortunately, the President of the Republic lacks judgment, responsibility and knowledge of geopolitics. The war in Israel has been going on for two months and it seems to me that Lula still doesn’t know who the terrorist is in history. The children burned alive, the thousands of dead, the raped and abused women do not seem to be enough for the PT member to understand what has been happening in the Gaza Strip since the beginning of October this year. In fact, he refuses to recognize Hamas as terrorists.” said the MP R7.
According to Rosana, “today’s speech is irresponsible because it compares Israel’s defense measures to genocide and causes resentment in the Jewish community.” The parliamentarian explained that in October, through Congress, she formally asked that the President of the Republic designate the Hamas group as a group Recognize terrorists. “And I’m still waiting for a position from the CEO today,” he said.
Today’s speech is irresponsible as it compares Israel’s defense measures to genocide and causes resentment in the Jewish community. The moment should be one of reflection and consternation. After all, we live in difficult times with a trail of blood, fear and an increase in antiSemitic demonstrations in Brazil and around the world.
Lula calls Israeli prime minister an “extremist”
In the interview with Middle East TV, Lula also explained that the conflict between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas “is not a traditional war, but a genocide that kills thousands of children and women.” The Brazilian president also called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu an “extremist person.”
Other representatives of the Jewish community have commented on Lula’s recurring comments comparing Israel’s responses to terrorist practices. Organizations and leaders had already expressed their dissatisfaction and fears that the Brazilian president’s position could jeopardize diplomatic relations between the two countries.
“It is a shame that, faced with the tragedy of war, the Brazilian government is losing balance and consideration, reducing the possibility of contributing decisively and purposefully to the negotiations between the various parties to the conflict,” the BrazilIsrael Institute (IBI) continued a previous opportunity. For the company, the accusation “strengthens extremists on both sides and weakens the parties fighting for a future of coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians.”
Also earlier, Rabbi Rav Sany, director of Olami Faria Lima, explained that Lula’s insistence illustrated the need to “know the issue better.” The religious leader also claims that Israel did not attack hospitals, contrary to what Lula says. He explains that the country “provides fuel for the operation and Hamas confiscates it.”
“The President insists on comparing the incomparable: a terrorist organization like Hamas, which uses its own citizens as a human shield, with a democratic and pluralistic state like Israel, which, moreover, only wants to defend itself against the barbaric and brutal attack.” to the desire to save hostages. I am deeply sorry,” Sany said.
Lula is in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where he is attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28). During the week, the president was in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Doha, Qatar, seeking foreign investment for Brazil.
Meeting with the President of Israel
Lula met with the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, this Friday (1st) during COP28. The leaders discussed the release of hostages still being held by the terrorist group Hamas.
“I spoke to them about how Hamas is blatantly violating ceasefire agreements and reiterated the call to put the release of the hostages high on the international community’s agenda, along with respect for the right of the State of Israel to defend itself.” , he wrote on social media.
Last Thursday (30), Lula also discussed the release of a Brazilian still held hostage by Hamas. He raised the issue at a meeting with the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad alThani.
The Brazilian president thanked Qatar “for playing an important role in the release of the Brazilians in the Gaza Strip.” There are more Brazilians there. In the release of a hostage who can still be released today. And I came to thank him.”