WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken embarks on his first trip to Brazil on Tuesday, intending to strengthen ties with key Latin American leaders. However, his visit is overshadowed by recent remarks from Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who compared Israel’s Gaza campaign to the Holocaust, sparking outrage from Israeli officials.
Blinken’s journey includes stops in Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro for the Group of 20 summit, followed by a visit to Argentina to meet with new President Javier Milei. The trip was initially viewed as an opportunity to enhance relations with Brazil and Argentina but is now marked by unexpected controversy.
Brazil’s President Condemns Israel’s Actions in Gaza
Lula’s condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide, drawing parallels to Hitler’s atrocities against Jews, has further strained diplomatic relations. Israel swiftly denounced Lula’s comments, declaring him “persona non grata,” and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the Brazilian president of crossing a red line.
The timing of Lula’s remarks coincides with ongoing violence in Gaza, where Israel’s relentless bombardment campaign has killed thousands of Palestinians, mostly women and children. President Joe Biden, while expressing concern over civilian casualties, has reiterated support for Israel and is expected to veto a ceasefire resolution at the Security Council.
