The Israeli spy agency Mossad coordinated with Brazilian security forces and other foreign agencies to thwart an attack in Brazil planned by the Iran-backed terrorist organisation Hezbollah, PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced on Wednesday.
Brazilian police reported they arrested two people accused of planning “terrorist attacks” that Israel said were planned by Hezbollah.
Mossad Coordinates with Brazil
According to a statement released by the PM office, “The Brazilian security services, together with the Mossad and its partners in the Israeli security community, alongside additional international security and enforcement agencies, have foiled a terrorist attack in Brazil, which had been planned by the Hezbollah terrorist organisation, directed and financed by the Iranian regime.”
The Mossad appreciates Brazilian security forces for arresting a terrorist cell run by Hezbollah to launch an attack against Israeli and Jewish targets in Brazil, the statement read.
The PM office stated that the Iranian regime and Hezbollah are still active globally, targeting Israeli, Jewish, and Western interests amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.
“The Mossad is working, and will continue to work, to thwart these efforts wherever necessary, by various methods,” the statement noted.
The Brazilian security services, together with the Mossad and its partners in the Israeli security community, alongside additional international security agencies, foiled a terrorist attack in Brazil, planned by the Hezbollah terrorist organization, directed and financed by Iran.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) November 8, 2023
The incident occurred following Israel’s National Security Council's advisory to Israelis last week to avoid travelling overseas if possible. The Council cited increased antisemitism globally since the 7 October Hamas attack, and urged those who do travel abroad to avoid exhibiting any indicators of their Jewish and Israeli identities.
Brazil Foils Terrorist Attack on Jews
CNN Brazil and Rio’s O Globo newspaper reported that Brazilian federal police arrested two individuals with alleged links to Hezbollah on Wednesday. The two were purportedly plotting terrorist attacks against the Jewish population in Brazil, although no specific target was specified. Authorities suggest more arrests are expected.
The Brazilian Federal Police launched Operation Trapiche on Wednesday to “disrupt the preparation of terrorist attacks and secure evidence on the possible recruitment of Brazilians to carry out extremist acts in the country.”
Reportedly, two temporary arrest orders and 11 search and seizure warrants were issued by the Judicial Subsection of Belo Horizonte in the states of Minas Gerais, So Paulo, and the Federal District.
“Recruiters and recruits must be responsible for the crimes of constituting or integrating a terrorist organisation and carrying out preparatory acts of terrorism, whose maximum penalties, if added, reach 15 years and 6 months of imprisonment.” the police statement read.
#BREAKING: Brazil has arrested two Hezbollah terrorists planning attacks on Jewish targets, including synagogues. The terrorists were reportedly preparing to carry out attacks and attempting to recruit Brazilians to carry out additional attacks.https://t.co/bUUSaNdqFY pic.twitter.com/r1LcyDEo53
— Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) November 8, 2023
Last month, Brazilian community leaders told media outlets that they had witnessed an increase in anti-Semitic activities online since the Israel-Hamas crisis began.
Ricardo Berkiensztat, executive president of the Jewish Federation of the State of Sao Paulo (Fisesp), stated, “We’re following with apprehension and concern this Federal Police operation today. Brazil doesn’t have a history of terrorism, and we hope that the conflict in the Middle East isn’t imported over to here.”
In Latin America, there are several major Jewish communities. Argentina has the largest population, with roughly 250,000 Jews.
Brazil’s Jewish population is the second biggest in the region, with an estimated 130,000 Jews.
Hezbollah in Latin America
According to the Washington Institute for Near East Policy (WINEP), Iran and Hezbollah continue to build intelligence and logistical support networks in the region vigorously.
For instance, a bomb attack on the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires in 1992 killed 29 people. In 1994, the AMIA Jewish Centre in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 86 people, with Hezbollah and Iran being the main suspects.
According to the study, Hezbollah is “capable of operating around the globe.”