Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely. (Flash90)
Israel is exploring ways to respond to Brazil’s rejection of Dani Dayan as the new ambassador over his political views.
Brazil has rejected Dani Dayan, an advocate for Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, as Israel’s ambassador to the South American country for political reasons, and now Israel is acting in response to this undiplomatic move.
Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely will summon Brazil’s envoy to Israel in the coming days to discuss his country’s resistance, Israel Hayom reported on Monday.
“The State of Israel will conduct diplomatic relations with Brazil at the secondary level if the appointment of Dani Dayan is not confirmed,” Hotovely told Israel’s Channel 10, saying Dayan would remain the sole nominee. Israel’s previous ambassador has already left the country.
Commenting on the pending diplomatic crisis, one senior Brazilian Foreign Ministry official told Reuters: “I do not see that happening,” meaning he did not see Brazil accepting Dayan’s appointment, and said Israel would have to choose a different envoy.
“We will not accept a situation in which an ambassador is not appointed because of his stances,” Hotovely said. She said the foreign ministry would use all the means at its disposal to ensure that Dayan was appointed.
Israel is reportedly exploring ways to respond to Brazil’s snub. Israel will engage “Brazilian elements” to clarify that it considers Brazil’s rejection of Dayan because of his political views with the utmost severity.
Brazil and Israel have shared tense diplomatic relations since the South American country recognized “Palestine” as a state in 2010. There have been several diplomatic clashes since, including Brazil’s recalling of its ambassador during Operation Protective Edge in the summer of 2014.
By: United with Israel Staff