Israel's Foreign Minister and Opposition Leader Clash Over Brazil Election Results
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid clashed over the Brazil election results, with Lapid seeing the defeat of Netanyahu allies as a positive sign and Saar accusing Lapid of abandoning Israel's friends. Saar criticized Lapid for echoing Brazilian President Lula da Silva's anti-Israel rhetoric, while highlighting the pro-Israel stances of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Brazilian candidate Jair Bolsonaro. Lapid later clarified his unhappiness with Lula's win but insisted that association with Netanyahu is now a global political detriment.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid argued over Brazil's election results.
- Lapid viewed the defeat of Netanyahu allies as a positive message for Israeli voters.
- Saar accused Lapid of abandoning Israel's friends and echoing Brazilian President Lula's anti-Israel statements.
- Saar highlighted the pro-Israel credentials of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Brazilian candidate Jair Bolsonaro.
- Lapid stated he was unhappy with Lula's victory but maintained Netanyahu association is a political liability.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid engaged in a sharp dispute following the election results in Brazil. Lapid interpreted the defeat of figures he described as "Netanyahu's associates" as a message for upcoming Israeli elections. Saar, in turn, accused Lapid of abandoning Israel's friends and echoing the rhetoric of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Lapid had written that two more "associates of Netanyahu" lost the election due to high voter turnout and national pride, refusing external dictates. He added that on the following day, the Israeli people would begin to "correct" the course and return Israel to hope and success.
Saar, referencing Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Brazilian presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro, criticized Lapid's portrayal of them. Saar called them "two great friends of Israel," not just associates of the prime minister. He recalled Lula's accusations against Israel regarding Gaza, comparing its actions to the Holocaust, and attributing to him claims of millions of children killed in war. Saar also criticized Lapid's stance against external dictates, seeing it as adopting Lula's language.
Saar highlighted Bolsonaro's pro-Israel stance and his promise to move Brazil's embassy to Jerusalem if elected. Saar noted that Bolsonaro did not concede the election, citing claims of an illegal extension of voting hours, while Bolsonaro's campaign had also requested an extension in some areas due to weather. Saar questioned Lapid's awareness of Vučić's wartime support for Israel, stating that "turning your back on Israel's friends and fawning over those who act against it is pettiness and moral depravity." He urged voters not to support Lapid's party.
Following Saar's attack, Lapid clarified that he was "very unhappy with Lula's victory" and always supported the pro-Israel candidate. However, he maintained that being associated with Netanyahu is now a political liability worldwide, including in Israel.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Right 2Haredi 1
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
