What it’s about:
In response to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s accusatory comments likening Israel’s defensive operations in Gaza to the Holocaust, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has firmly declared President Lula persona non grata in Israel.
Why it matters:
The Israeli government, complemented by significant entities internationally, stands unified in its vehement objection to irresponsible and provocative statements that undermine the severity of the Holocaust and unfairly villainize Israeli defensive measures.
The Concern:
Katz, the son of Holocaust survivors and fluent in messages relating to the historic atrocities, strongly took a stance that has resonated with Israelis, Holocaust educational organs, and Jewish communities worldwide.
The Bottom Line:
Expressing deep concern for the misrepresentation of history and committed to preserving the truth against untoward aggression, Israel transmits a clear message of resilience and demands global awareness of the consequences of carelessly equating military self-defense with genocidal acts.
The Defense:
Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Supreme Court president Aharon Barak, have set the record straight by differentiating Israel’s actions – taken in defense against a terrorist organization – from genocidal crimes. These actions, contrary to erroneous statements, are in line with international legal standards ensuring civilian safety even while combating terrorism.
The Response:
Facing overwhelming opposition to Brazil’s Lula’s remarks, including powerful rebukes from overseas Jewish communities and stern legal considerations from the International Court of Justice, the incident stands as an affirmation of the continued vigilance in protecting historical facts and sustaining secure sovereign lines against unfounded accusations.
The Diplomatic Stance:
Moved by the dignified response unified by different spectrums of the political landscape, this decisively sets a precedent in protecting the integrity of historical context while rebutting denigrating distortion of Israel’s acts of homeland security.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.