In a cautionary statement, journalist Breno Altman has advised President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to exercise vigilance regarding Israeli intelligence services. Altman’s remarks come in the wake of heightened tensions surrounding Lula’s recent comments comparing the Israeli military operation in Gaza to the Holocaust. Altman, who is launching his book titled “Against Zionism” tomorrow at the University of Brasília (UnB), emphasizes the need for heightened security measures given the potential ramifications of such comparisons.
Altman, who serves as the editor of the website Ópera Mundi, draws attention to Israel’s reputation for conducting operations abroad aimed at neutralizing perceived threats to the Israeli state. He underscores the significance of Lula’s statements in light of Israel’s robust intelligence capabilities, cautioning against underestimating the potential impact on diplomatic relations and national security.
“While Lula’s remarks may not equate in magnitude to the Holocaust, they do draw parallels in terms of methodology,” Altman explains. “The Netanyahu government’s pursuit of ethnic cleansing echoes the systematic extermination methods employed during the Holocaust. Therefore, it would be prudent for Lula to enhance security measures to safeguard against potential repercussions.”
Altman’s book launch coincides with a critical examination of the ideological underpinnings of the State of Israel’s formation in the early 20th century. In “Against Zionism,” Altman delves into the colonial and racist ideologies that informed the establishment of Israel, offering a provocative critique of Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
“Israel’s military intervention in Gaza is rapidly approaching a grim milestone, with the number of children killed rivaling that of Jewish children who perished in the Holocaust,” Altman asserts. “While Nazism’s industrial-scale atrocities may surpass the current situation in Palestine, the trajectory of violence raises alarming concerns about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.”
Despite being of Jewish descent, Altman’s outspoken criticism of Israel’s policies has made him a target of scrutiny. A Federal Police (PF) investigation has been launched into Altman’s activities, further exacerbating tensions surrounding his controversial stance.
In addition to legal challenges, Altman faces allegations and lawsuits from the Brazilian Israelite Confederation (Conib), underscoring the divisive nature of his commentary. Attempts to solicit a response from Conib President Claudio Lottenberg regarding Altman’s remarks have been met with silence, indicating the sensitive nature of the issue.
As Altman’s book launch approaches, the debate surrounding Israel’s actions in Gaza and the broader implications for international relations intensifies. Lula’s administration faces mounting pressure to navigate diplomatic complexities while ensuring the safety and security of its citizens in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.
