Brazil’s New President Vows to Move Brazilian Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem

Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s far-right president elect, recently disclosed plans to move Brazil’s embassy to Jerusalem.  

“As previously stated during our campaign, we intend to transfer the Brazilian Embassy from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem,” Bolsonaro stated in a Facebook post on Thursday.  “Israel is a sovereign state and we shall duly respect that.” 

In an interview with Israel Hayom, Bolsonaro said, “When I was asked during the campaign if I’ll do it [relocate the embassy] when I was president, I said yes, and that you’re the ones who decide on the capital of Israel, not other people.” 

U.S. president Donald Trump, who moved the United States embassy from Tel Aviv to Israel as well, weighed in on Bolsonaro’s decision on Twitter writing, “Had a very good conversation with the newly elected President of Brazil, Jair Bolsonsro, who won his race by a substantial margin. We agreed that Brazil and the United States will work closely together on Trade, Military, and everything else! Excellent call, wished him congrats!” 

Had a very good conversation with the newly elected President of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, who won his race by a substantial margin. We agreed that Brazil and the United States will work closely together on Trade, Military and everything else! Excellent call, wished him congrats!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump)