Lula Says He Considered Breaking Ties With Israel, Denounces Netanyahu

Overview

• Lula, who spoke Tuesday in interviews with Brasil 247, Revista Fórum and DCM, said he weighed a diplomatic break with Israel but chose caution.
• He called Benjamin Netanyahu a politician who does harm to humanity and said the Israeli leader is out of line.
• He argued Israel’s recent actions occur with U.S. backing and rejected the claim that Netanyahu controls President Donald Trump.
• He urged Israeli voters to replace Netanyahu with a civilized, democratic, humanist leader and said his criticism targets the prime minister, not Israelis.
• Valor Econômico placed the comments in a conflict that began in late February between Israel and Iran, which has killed hundreds and fed a new global energy crisis.