Brazil challenges Israeli statements on Hezbollah-linked operation
A firm message was delivered by Brazil to Israel as the South American state distanced itself from foreign interference in its internal affairs. The issue became a cause of concern when Israel capitalized on the recent success of Brazil's counter-terrorism operations.
12:47 PM EST, November 10, 2023
Israel released an official statement declaring collaboration with Brazil in preventing a terrorist attack allegedly orchestrated by members of the Hezbollah group. Brazil confirmed this, mentioning the arrest of two suspects earlier this week, but did not provide further details.
Brazil Accuses Netanyahu of Capitalizing on the Situation
As per "Malay Mail", Brazil's terse response presented an opportunity for Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office to declare victory. Syrianizing the story, they claimed that the entire plot was Hezbollah-backed, targeted at "Israeli and Jewish targets in Brazil." Israel, at a constant state of conflict with Hamas, further claimed that its agencies had collaborated with Brazilian police to avert the terror plot.
Brazil's Justice Minister, Flavio Dino, responded promptly and firmly to the Israeli statement.
"No representative of a foreign government should pre-empt an ongoing federal police investigation," Dino voiced on Twitter, "We reject the notion that any foreign entity could direct Brazilian police agencies or use our investigations for propaganda fueling their own political interests," he further added.
Israeli Ambassador Faces Criticism in Brazil
Brazil categorically stated that the foiled attack should not be seen in light of the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, as the investigatory proceedings had begun much earlier. Therefore, the Brazilian police negated the Israeli statement, expressing that such declarations may negatively impact international cooperation and could potentially jeopardize future operations.
Israel's ambassador to Brazil also faced hefty criticism. This was in response to his comments about the arrest. "Hezbollah's choice of Brazil indicates local assistance," he suggested while talking to the Brazilian newspaper "O Globo".
