JERUSALEM—Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
congratulated Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro on Monday for his performance
in the first round of Brazil's presidential elections and wished him success in
the second round.
In a message posted on social media, Netanyahu called
Bolsonaro his "friend" and expressed his hope that a victory for the
candidate would allow for the restoration of the close ties between Israel and
Brazil.
"Congratulations to Flávio Bolsonaro on yesterday's
vote and good luck in the final," the Israeli prime minister wrote.
Netanyahu added that he hopes to "restore the extraordinary friendship
between Israel and Brazil" and concluded his message by wishing him a
"great victory."
Netanyahu's message comes after an election day in which
Flávio Bolsonaro won the first round of the presidential race with
approximately 47% of the vote, compared to about 45% for incumbent President
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a difference of more than 4 million votes in
Bolsonaro's favor.
Since neither candidate reached the 50% plus one majority
needed to win in the first round, Bolsonaro and Lula will face each other again
at the polls on October 25, when the next president of Brazil will be decided,
with a growing public preference for Senator Bolsonaro.