Brazil Rejects Israel’s Choice for Top Consular Post

Brazil’s government, led by President Lula da Silva, has refused to approve the appointment of Vivian Eisen as Israel’s consul general in Sao Paulo, a post that was approved by the Israeli government in February of this year. The report was published today (Wednesday) by Ynet. Brazil’s decision comes 10 months after it rejected the appointment of Gali Dagan as Israel’s ambassador to the country.

In Israel, Eisen’s appointment was announced following the end of the term of the current consul general, Rafi Erdreich. The consulate in Sao Paulo is Israel’s only consular mission in Brazil, and it will now be left without a senior representative.

At Israel’s embassy in Brasilia, Reha Atamny is currently serving as chargé d’affaires in the role of acting ambassador. In 2017, she made history when she became the first Muslim accepted into the prestigious cadet course of Israel’s Foreign Ministry, and later went on to serve as a diplomat.

Brazil’s current president, da Silva, is one of Israel’s sharpest critics, especially since the outbreak of the "Swords of Iron" war. Last year, he recalled Brazil’s ambassador to Israel and accused Israel of genocide in Gaza.

Brazil is set to hold presidential elections this coming October. Running against da Silva will be Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who is considered supportive of Israel.