'Brazil has no problem with Israel, the problem is with Netanyahu,' says Lula in Italy

President Lula (PT) said on Monday 13 that the recent progress towards peace in the conflict between Israel and Hamas represents “an important step” for the region, but criticized the role of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the conflict .

In a press conference after his participation in the opening of the World Food Forum , promoted by the FAO, Lula highlighted that Brazil maintains good relations with Israel, arguing that the current tensions are linked to decisions made by the Netanyahu government.

"Brazil doesn't have a problem with Israel; the problem is with Netanyahu . Once Netanyahu is no longer in power, there will be no problems between Brazil and Israel, which have always had a very good relationship," Lula said. "We know the role of the Jewish people, who have even fought against Netanyahu's actions," he added.

Peace agreement

Also at the press conference, the Brazilian president considered the recent US-led mediation, with Donald Trump 's involvement , a positive sign. "I don't know if it's definitive, but it's a very promising start. The fact that President Trump went to Israel, went to Parliament, is a very important sign," he commented.

Lula also highlighted the humanitarian impact of the ceasefire: "Better late than never. It seems that a solution has finally been found to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people, and there seems to be every possibility that the agreement will be final," Lula assessed. "This is very important because it involves the lives of millions who died, but it gives people the right to sleep peacefully, without fear of bombs , without fear of buildings collapsing."

War in Ukraine

In his conversation with journalists, Lula drew parallels with other international conflicts, advocating for a broader humanitarian approach. "I think that if we solve the problem of Israel and Palestine, we can solve the problem of the war between Russia and Ukraine," he said. "It's time for a humanitarian approach to try to stop the war for everyone," he stated.