Channel 14’s U.S. correspondent Libby Alon interviewed Flavio Bolsonaro, a candidate for president in Brazil’s upcoming elections and son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. In a video she posted yesterday (Wednesday) on her Instagram account, she revealed a behind-the-scenes moment: “He’s one of the funniest people I’ve ever met.” In the video, the two couldn’t stop laughing, while Alon said with a smile: “I need to get back to being serious.”
2+In a post she shared afterward, she reflected on the experience: “There are meetings that stay with you long after the cameras turn off. I had the great privilege of sitting down to interview Flavio Bolsonaro—a fascinating conversation with a sharp, charismatic person with vision.” She said she was particularly impressed by Flavio’s commitment to Brazil and his belief in his ability to lead the country to a better future.
“One of the things that stood out most to me is his consistent support for Israel and his clear position on strengthening relations between the countries, including his commitment to moving Brazil’s embassy to Jerusalem,” she said, emphasizing that beyond all the serious topics, “the conversation was full of moments of humor, which made the experience even more special. It was a great privilege for me to interview him and get to know him up close.”
2+In a promo for the full interview between the two, which will air Saturday night, the son of Brazil’s former president—a staunch supporter of Israel—addressed the controversy surrounding his father after Brazil’s electoral court ruled he is disqualified from political competition until 2030 on grounds of abuse of authority, sparking widespread public outcry among his voters, who saw it as legal persecution.
“President Bolsonaro was the target of lawfare. Brazil’s electoral court is composed of several members who are from Brazil’s Supreme Court—that’s how it works in Brazil,” he said. He said he looks forward to the day when he will be president himself and will renew the special relationship with Israel: “I will not only renew these relations, but also expand them. I want every Israeli to come here to Brazil. I will appoint an ambassador to Israel who will truly promote commercial ties with Israel.”
2+He also pledged to move Brazil’s embassy to Jerusalem: “It will happen at the beginning of the government, as fast as possible—continuing what President Jair Bolsonaro started. This is a personal commitment from my heart, to complete this move.” Bolsonaro also praised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and promised he would invite him to visit Brazil if elected president. “It’s a relationship of respect and appreciation. He is an exceptionally intelligent and brave person, and I ask God to continue giving him wisdom to defend the State of Israel well and do his part.”