Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor said Israel was disappointed by the decision of Brazil to recall its ambassador from Tel Aviv after condemning what it called the "disproportionate use of force" by Israel in Gaza.
‘’This decision does not reflect the level of relations between the countries and ignores Israel's right to defend itself,’’ Palmor said.
"Such steps do not contribute to promote calm and stability in the region. Rather, they provide tailwind to terrorism, and naturally affect Brazil’s capacity to wield influence. Israel expects support from its friends in its struggle against Hamas, which is recognized as a terror organization by many countries around the world," he added.
The Brazilian government said: ‘’We strongly condemn the disproportionate use of force by Israel in the Gaza Strip, from which large numbers of civilian casualties, including women and children, resulted’’.
"The Brazilian government considers unacceptable the escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine," it added.
Brazil is the second country to recall its envoy from Israel, following Ecuador's move earlier this week.