Despite earlier reports, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to attend the inauguration of Brazilian President-elect Jair Bolsonaro.
The Prime Minister's Office on Wednesday said Netanyahu would likely shorten his weeklong visit after his coalition announced the dissolution of the Knesset and moved elections up to April 9.
But officials said Netanyahu will first go to Rio de Janeiro for a meeting with Bolsonaro and then travel to Brasília for the Jan. 1 inauguration.
Netanyahu will also meet with other prominent dignitaries scheduled to attend the ceremony, including U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Chilean President Sebastián Piñera and Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández.
Netanyahu has said he has high expectations for the visit, saying he is extremely pleased with relations between Israel and Brazil.
On Thursday, Netanyahu took off for Brazil with his wife Sara and son Yair. Upon leaving, Netanyahu said, "We will discuss Israel's ties with the largest country in Latin America, the fifth most populous country in the world. Brazil is a huge country with huge potential for the State of Israel, economically, diplomatically and vis-à-vis security. It is a great change that Bolsonaro has declared and I am pleased that we can begin a new era between Israel and this major power."
In a statement, the Netanyahus said Yair's travel expenses has been paid for by the family.
On Friday, he was set to meet with Bolsonaro, as well as members of the local Jewish community.
