The country that changed its government and abandoned Israel - now at its decisive moment

Brazil decides today in the second round between Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro. Polls show a tiny gap. Bolsonaro pledged to return an ambassador to Israel and move the embassy to Jerusalem. Lula promised debt relief and free public transportation. Deforestation in the Amazon has fallen to a low, but environmental activists warn of a reversal under Bolsonaro.

Brazil decides today in the second round of the presidential elections between incumbent President Lula da Silva and Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Polls show a tiny gap between the candidates. A victory for Bolsonaro could bring a shift in Brazil-Israel relations: he pledged to return an ambassador to Israel and move the embassy to Jerusalem starting in 2027, and harshly criticized Lula's policy toward Israel. Lula promised debt relief, free public transportation on weekends, and student aid. Official data showed that deforestation in the Amazon fell to its lowest level since 1988, but environmental activists warn that progress could reverse under Bolsonaro. European parliamentarians warned that such a reversal could jeopardize the free trade agreement with the European Union.