Israel, due to increasing isolation following the Gaza war, is actively seeking to establish closer ties with right-wing parties in Europe. This is while some of these parties have a history of anti-Semitism. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, has accused foreign critics of Israel's behavior in Gaza of fueling hatred against Jews, but his government has generally maintained a comfortable relationship with politicians who support Israel.
Israel's New Approach and Right-Wing Parties
After a French investigative website claimed on Monday that Jordan Bardella, the leader of the right-wing "National Council" party, made offensive remarks about Jews in his youth, the Israeli minister responsible for combating anti-Semitism defended him. Amichai Chikli, the Israeli minister, stated that Bardella is "one of the clearest voices in Europe against Hamas." He referred to his meetings with survivors of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, which was the deadliest attack against Israel.
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History of Israel's Relations with Right-Wing Parties
In 2000, Israel recalled its ambassador from Austria and supported an international campaign to criticize a government that included the Freedom Party. This party, founded by former Nazis, was heavily criticized at the time. However, the Netanyahu government is now trying to normalize its relations with the Freedom Party. Chikli spoke last September of a "historic milestone" when the leader of the Freedom Party, Herbert Kickl, gave a speech promising that his government’s agenda, if it came to power, would include "combating anti-Semitism and fighting anti-Zionism."
Israel is also seeking relations with other right-wing leaders in Europe in Sweden, Spain, and the UK, where Israeli politicians address shared concerns about Muslim immigration to the West. In the Americas, Israel considers establishing relations with pro-Israel right-wing governments in Argentina and Colombia a milestone.
However, Israel's relations with Germany remain shrouded in ambiguity, and Israeli officials continue to distance themselves from the right-wing AfD party. Jerry Isaacaroff, a former Israeli ambassador to Berlin, stated that some European right-wing parties are seeking to demonstrate their changes from past anti-Semitism.
He added: "By establishing relations with Israel, they receive a kind of certificate of legitimacy. For Israel, these connections will only harm its values and international standing." Isaacaroff also pointed out that in Germany and other European countries, Israel must consider how support for right-wingers affects local Jewish communities.
In the UK, Jewish groups expressed their concerns after Israel welcomed Tommy Robinson, a right-wing provocateur, last year. Israeli officials have used non-diplomatic language regarding Western leaders who criticize Israel. Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa'ar, recently contacted the leader of the right-wing party in the UK and thanked him for his opposition to new UK sanctions on goods based in the occupied territories.
Netanyahu is also trying to create rifts within Europe. He continues his relationship with Viktor Orbán, the leader of Hungary, who has supported Israel despite criticisms of using anti-Semitic themes in his campaigns. It is expected that Israel's approach will change if Netanyahu fails in the elections on October 27, although his rivals will still be close to leaders like Marine Le Pen, who are likely to come to power.
A former Israeli ambassador to Europe, who wished to remain anonymous, said that Israel must be cautious in choosing its allies and avoid getting close to divisive figures. He said: "One day governments change from right to left and from left to right, and if you cling to the far right, you have painted yourself with a specific color."
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