Majority in Brazil Believes Lula Overstepped in Criticism of Israel

A survey shows 60% of Brazilians believe President Lula’s comparison of Israel’s Gaza actions to the Holocaust was excessive.

Only 28% believe Lula’s comments on the Middle East conflict were appropriate, while 12% were unsure or did not respond.

The Genial/Quaest poll, released on Wednesday, surveyed 2,000 people across 120 cities from February 25 to 27, 2024.

It has a 2.2 percentage point margin of error and a 95% confidence interval.

Evangelicals notably felt Lula exaggerated, with 69% holding this view. Among Catholics, 57% thought he overstepped, 33% disagreed, and 10% undecided.

In an Ethiopia interview on February 18, Lula termed Gaza’s situation as “genocide” and supported a Palestinian state.

Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Katz, criticized him, making Lula unwelcome in Israel without an apology.

On March 4, at Brasília’s culture conference, Lula claimed time would prove his Palestine views right despite criticism.

Background

Brazil has historically favored neutrality, avoiding taking sides to maintain diplomatic ties and its global image.

This strategy made Brazil a peaceful mediator, engaging with many nations and emphasizing dialogue over conflict.

Yet, President Lula’s comments on Israel and Gaza veered from this neutrality, sparking international controversy.

By comparing Israel’s actions to historical atrocities, Lula shifted Brazil’s diplomatic stance, straining ties with Israel and challenging its neutral tradition.

This move has altered Brazil’s role in international affairs.