The Brazilian government on Monday recalled its ambassador in Tel Aviv Frederico Meyer for consultations after President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva voiced harsh criticism of Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, in response to the fact that Israel summoned the diplomat for statements, the Brazilian foreign ministry confirmed.

The ministry said in a statement that Foreign Affairs Minister Mauro Vieira also summoned Israel's ambassador in Brazil, Daniel Zonshine.

The Israeli government declared Lula da Silva "persona non grata" on Monday.