Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro has publicly endorsed his son Flavio's bid for the presidency in the upcoming 2026 election. The announcement was made from a hospital in Brasilia, where Bolsonaro was recovering from a scheduled hernia surgery. He was temporarily released from prison, where he is serving a lengthy sentence for plotting a coup, to undergo the procedure.

Flavio Bolsonaro, currently serving as a senator, has pledged to continue his father's conservative political legacy and challenge the current leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Flavio also revealed plans for an international tour, including possible visits to Israel, the United States, Argentina, Chile, and Europe.

The endorsement comes amid heightened tensions between Brazil and Israel, with President Lula da Silva taking a strong stance against Israel's actions in Gaza. The Brazilian government has recalled its ambassador to Israel and summoned Israel's ambassador for a reprimand, following controversial statements by Lula comparing Israel's conduct to Nazi atrocities.