The aim of this paper is to analyze the development of relations between Brazil and Israel, from a historical perspective, resuming points of convergence and divergence in the bilateral relationship in the light of new data and interpretations. The assumption that sustains this article is that, the contradictions between Brazil and Israel, rather than being seen as a rejection of Israeli aspirations or some ideological incompatibility must be understood from the outside elements: (1) The degree of proximity, alignment or confrontation with the United States; (2) Brazilian universalist foreign policy orientation; and (3) the majoritarian bias of Brazilian multilateral diplomacy. Such forces conditioned, to some extent, Brazil's preferences towards the Middle East, in general, and Israel, in particular.
Brazil; Israel; diplomatic relations; anti-Semitism; United Nations