Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has requested his passport be returned by federal authorities to allow him to travel to Israel in May, after receiving an invitation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This request comes as Bolsonaro’s passport was seized by Federal Police during an investigation into alleged plots to stage an uprising to keep him in power after the 2022 election results. Bolsonaro’s lawyers denied allegations that he was seeking asylum or avoiding authorities during his two-night stay at Hungary’s embassy in Brasilia, stating that it was part of his political agenda with the Hungarian government.
Bolsonaro’s close ties with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, both leaders of a global far-right movement, have been highlighted in recent events. Netanyahu, in particular, has shown support for Bolsonaro while expressing discontent with Bolsonaro’s rival and successor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Israel’s foreign minister previously stated that Lula would not be welcome in the country until he apologizes for comments he made regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza, which were deemed antisemitic and offensive by Israeli officials.
In his petition to the Supreme Court, Bolsonaro’s lawyers outlined his plans to travel to Israel from May 12 to 18 for an unspecified event that coincides with Israel’s Independence Day. They assured that the trip would not interfere with ongoing legal processes, as appointments have been scheduled after Bolsonaro’s planned return. The lawyers emphasized the importance of international relations and dialogue with global leaders as part of Bolsonaro’s political activities. The Supreme Court will review the request, with no specified deadline for a decision.
Bolsonaro’s desire to visit Israel and strengthen his ties with international allies has raised speculation about his political agenda and intentions. The former president’s association with leaders of the far-right movement, such as Orbán and Netanyahu, underscores his commitment to aligning with like-minded governments and advancing similar ideological agendas. The request for authorization to travel to Israel reflects Bolsonaro’s ongoing efforts to maintain relationships with key allies and participate in international events that align with his political objectives.
The controversy surrounding Bolsonaro’s stay at Hungary’s embassy and the seizure of his passport have brought attention to his legal troubles and potential attempts to evade arrest. Despite the denial from his lawyers, concerns have been raised about the former president’s actions and motivations, especially in the context of the ongoing investigation into election-related plots. The decision of the Supreme Court regarding Bolsonaro’s travel request will provide further insight into the implications of his international engagements and political associations, shaping the narrative around his future plans and strategies as a prominent figure in Brazilian politics. The outcome of this request will likely impact Bolsonaro’s standing both domestically and internationally, influencing his relationships with foreign leaders and the trajectory of his political career moving forward.
