Israel protests Uruguay official's Netanyahu, Gaza remarks

Israel's embassy in Uruguay has formally protested recent comments made by Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Valeria Csukasi, who speculated about the potential arrest of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he entered Uruguayan territory. Csukasi also voiced critical opinions regarding Israel's military operations in the Gaza Strip since the conflict with Hamas began in October 2023.

These remarks, made during a streaming program, have created a difficult situation for the government of President Yamandú Orsi. Although Csukasi's statements did not deviate from Uruguay's official institutional position on the Middle East conflict, her decision to express views aligned with the sentiments of the ruling Broad Front party's bases was interpreted as such within the executive branch. This interpretation led to the diplomatic reaction from Israel.

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channeled their concerns over the declarations through the appropriate diplomatic channels, maintaining an open, constructive, and professional dialogue with the relevant government officials.

According to sources from the Israeli delegation, the protest was communicated verbally during a face-to-face meeting with officials at the Foreign Ministry, led by Mario Lubetkin. The embassy, now headed by Eldad Hayet, described the complaint as "soft," aiming not to convey intense dissatisfaction but rather to signal a difference with Csukasi's expressed views. Israeli diplomatic sources stated they "channeled their concerns over the declarations through the appropriate diplomatic channels, maintaining an open, constructive, and professional dialogue with the relevant government officials."

Within the Uruguayan government, the incident has reportedly not been given significant weight, partly due to the perceived mildness of Israel's complaint. A government source commented, "When the complaint is serious, the response is also serious." Csukasi's comments emerged at a time when the ruling party has emphasized foreign policy as a key area of distinction for its administration.

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When the complaint is serious, the response is also serious.