Brazil’s Ambassador to Israel General Gerson Menandro Garcia de Freitas was removed from his post on Tuesday in one of the first moves by President Luiz Inácio “Lula” da Silva since taking office this month, Ynet news reported. Menandro was appointed by Lula’s right-wing predecessor Jair Bolsonaro as a political appointee in early 2021. Now his removal might indicate a shift in policy toward Israel. Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira stated following the formation of the new government that under Lula's left-wing government, Brazil "will cooperate with Arab countries, primarily Palestine." Brazil has also removed its ambassador in Washington from his post.