Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent a congratulatory message Monday to Flavio Bolsonaro, the right-wing candidate who led Brazil's first-round presidential election, saying he looks forward to restoring the 'extraordinary friendship' between Israel and Brazil. Bolsonaro faces incumbent Lula da Silva in the runoff on October 25.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday morning congratulated Flavio Bolsonaro on his first-round performance in Brazil's presidential election, calling it a "great victory" and expressing hope to restore the "extraordinary friendship" between the two countries. Netanyahu's message, reported by Israeli journalist Ariel Kahana at 8:56 AM, came after Bolsonaro led Sunday's first round with 47% of the vote against incumbent President Lula da Silva's 45%, according to official counts at 99% of ballots. The race now heads to a runoff on October 25.
As The Zioneer reported earlier Monday, Bolsonaro's first-place finish defied pre-election polls, which had widely predicted a Lula lead. Right-wing candidate Bolsonaro, son of imprisoned former president Jair Bolsonaro, also secured roughly a third of Senate seats, according to Israeli reports. At 04:48 AM, The Zioneer noted that Bolsonaro said after the vote that "Brazil wants change," while Lula expressed disappointment.
Bolsonaro has campaigned on restoring Israel-Brazil relations, including returning Brazil's ambassador to Israel and moving the embassy to Jerusalem, as The Zioneer reported in earlier coverage. The current Lula administration has seen a cooling of diplomatic ties between Brasília and Jerusalem, making the outcome of the October 25 runoff critical for the future of bilateral relations.
The runoff will determine whether Brazil pivots back toward a pro-Israel posture or continues the current trajectory. The official vote count is pending final certification, but the unexpectedly strong showing for Bolsonaro has reshaped expectations ahead of the final round.
5 developments
- StrongLula expresses disappointment, Bolsonaro says 'Brazil wants change' after first round
- DevelopingNew Brazil poll shows Flavio Bolsonaro closing gap to tie with Lula ahead of October election
- DevelopingFlavio Bolsonaro vows to expand Brazil-Israel ties in interview
- StrongMassive pro-Bolsonaro crowds take to streets on Brazil election day
Source and signal
- Open-source intake