'Netanyahu Asked Me': Israeli Settler Persists With Brazil Diplomatic Row

An Israeli settler leader persisted with his bid to become Israel's Ambassador to Brazil, which has already sparked a row between the two countries.

Citing support from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli settler leader Dani Dayan has persisted with his bid to become the country's Ambassador to Brazil despite protests from Brazilian diplomats and a delay of approval by Brazil's government.

Dayan is a vocal leader of the Israeli settler movement, which seeks to establish colonies in occupied territories of the West Bank, recognized as  occupied Palestinian territory by Brazil. Brazil has withheld accepting the ambassador for over five months, waiting for Israel to suggest a different ambassador to avoid a diplomatic row.

Contrary to reports my nomination as Ambassador to Brazil was not withdrawn. On the contrary: PM Netanyahu asked me to continue and I agreed

— Dani Dayan (@dandayan) January 11, 2016

Dani Dayan became the leader of Israel's settler movement in 2007, and lives in a settlement built in the occupied West Bank. Israel announced the appointment of Dani Dayan as ambassador before informing Brazil's Foreign Ministry, which is considered a breach of diplomatic protocol.

A group of 40 retired career diplomats published a letter on Friday, protesting the appointment on procedural grounds.

"We consider it unacceptable. The rupture of the diplomatic practice seems to have been on purpose. We support the Brazilian Government’s position on this issue and wish that the current episode is quickly overcome, so we can, together, strengthen the bonds between the two countries," the diplomats' statement said.