Amorim’s intervention suspends purchase of Israeli armored vehicles

The purchase of 36 armored vehicles from the Israeli company Elbit Systems by the Brazilian Army was suspended after intervention by Celso Amorim, international advisor to President Lula. The contract, valued at R$1 billion, had been won by Elbit in a bidding process in April, beating competitors from China, France and the Czech Republic. The equipment was chosen based on criteria of best price and technique, and the process was about to be finalized.

However, Amorim expressed concerns of a political and diplomatic nature, related to the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. CNN, He highlighted that, “after the highly condemnable action of Hamas, there was genocide by Israel against the Palestinians and I think this purchase is complicated. First, the decision of the international court recommends not collaborating with Israel in this military aspect. Furthermore, we need to wait for this instability in the conflict with Gaza to pass.”

Amorim also stressed that this is not an opposition to Israel itself, but rather to the current government of Benjamin Netanyahu and its military actions. “I have nothing against Israel. The Jewish people have made countless contributions to humanity throughout history. Brazil recognizes and respects the state of Israel. However, the current government of the country has behaved in a highly reprehensible manner from a military point of view. So it is a delicate matter to remain militarily dependent on Israel,” he said.

Manufacturing in Rio Grande do Sul

In response to Amorim’s resistance, Defense Minister José Múcio Monteiro began negotiations with Elbit Systems so that the armored vehicles would be manufactured in Brazil, at the company’s plant in Rio Grande do Sul, instead of being imported. In addition, payment terms were adjusted, with the start of production only scheduled for 2027.

The strategy aims to overcome Amorim’s objections and obtain the approval of President Lula, who is expected to discuss the matter next week. According to Múcio, the goal is to ensure that vehicle production is predominantly domestic, thus meeting the government’s political and economic concerns.

__

with information from CNN