Brazil's Leading Presidential Candidate Vows Pro-Israel Shift

Flávio Bolsonaro, the leading candidate in Brazil's presidential election and son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, has pledged a significant shift in relations with Israel if elected. Bolsonaro, who secured 47% of the vote in the first round compared to incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's 45%, stated his intention to reappoint an ambassador to Israel and move Brazil's embassy to Jerusalem. He also plans to visit Israel early in his potential term.

Bolsonaro visited Israel earlier this year and has committed to returning if he wins the upcoming runoff election, scheduled for October 25th. Following the October 7th Hamas attacks, Bolsonaro invoked a quote attributed to former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir: "If Hamas lays down its weapons, the war will end; if Israel lays down its weapons, the state of Israel will cease to exist." He also praised Israel, stating that visiting Jerusalem and the Knesset revealed a nation that practices tolerance.

These proposed changes signal a departure from the previous administration's approach, which had experienced a period of tension with Israel. Bolsonaro's pro-Israel stance has resonated with the Jewish community in Brazil, and his campaign has emphasized a strong connection to the country.