Israel Courts Europe’s Far Right, Finding Allies But Also Growing Unease

Facing growing international isolation over its war in Gaza, Israel is increasingly strengthening ties with Europe’s far-right political parties, despite the antisemitic histories associated with some of them.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused foreign critics of Israel’s conduct in Gaza of fueling hatred against Jews. His government, however, has largely shown a willingness to work with politicians as long as they maintain strong support for Israel.

The approach was highlighted after a French investigative website on Monday alleged that National Rally leader Jordan Bardella made derogatory remarks about Jews as a teenager. Israel’s minister for combating antisemitism, Amichai Chikli, subsequently defended Bardella.

Chikli described Bardella, who could become France’s prime minister if Marine Le Pen wins next year’s presidential election, as “one of the clearest voices in Europe against Hamas”.

He cited Bardella’s meetings with survivors of Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack during a visit to Israel last year. The attack was the deadliest in Israel’s history and triggered the country’s extensive military campaign in Gaza.

Israel’s Changing Approach To Austria’s Far Right

Israel’s current stance marks a significant shift from its earlier approach toward Europe’s far right.

In 2000, Israel recalled its ambassador to Austria and supported an international campaign to isolate the country after the Freedom Party, founded by a former Nazi, joined the government.

Netanyahu’s government, however, has since moved toward normalising relations with the party.

In September, Chikli described a “historic turning point” after Freedom Party leader Herbert Kickl gave a speech promising that, if elected, his government would focus on “combatting antisemitism and fighting against anti-Zionism”.

‘Kosher Certificate’ For Far-Right Parties

Israel has also cultivated relations with far-right leaders in countries including Sweden, Spain and Britain. Israeli politicians and European right-wing figures have increasingly found common ground on issues such as Muslim migration to Europe.

Beyond Europe, Israel has also highlighted closer ties with Latin America following the election of hard-right, pro-Israel presidents in countries including Argentina and Colombia.

Germany remains a notable exception, with Israeli officials continuing to distance themselves from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

Jeremy Issacharoff, who served as Israel’s ambassador to Germany from 2017 to 2022 as the AfD was gaining influence, said some European far-right parties were seeking to demonstrate that they had moved away from their antisemitic pasts.

By developing ties with Israel, “they get a sort of kosher certificate,” Issacharoff told AFP.

“I can see what they get out of it; for Israel I only see damage to its values and its international standing,” he said.

Issacharoff also argued that increasing criticism of Israel from centrist and left-wing European politicians had encouraged Israel’s right-wing leadership to seek political allies on the opposite side of the spectrum.

He said Israel should consider how its relationships with far-right parties could affect Jewish communities in Germany, France, Austria and elsewhere in Europe.

In Britain, Jewish groups expressed concern after Israel welcomed far-right activist Tommy Robinson last year and praised his views on radical Islam.

Israel Sees Strategic Benefit In European Divisions

Israeli officials have also adopted increasingly sharp rhetoric toward Western leaders who criticise Israel.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar recently contacted the leader of Britain’s right-wing Reform Party to praise his opposition to new UK sanctions targeting goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

At the same time, Israel criticised British Foreign Secretary David Miliband, whose parents were Jewish refugees. Chikli also mocked Miliband’s hairstyle.

Azriel Bermant, an associate researcher at the Institute of International Relations Prague who has studied Israel’s ties with Europe, said Netanyahu’s engagement with the far right could also serve to deepen divisions within Europe.

“As far as Netanyahu sees it, any countries that can support Israel and go against the European consensus, so much the better as far as he’s concerned,” Bermant said.

He cited Netanyahu’s relationship with Hungarian leader Viktor Orban, who supported Israel despite criticism over his political campaign against billionaire philanthropist George Soros, which opponents said drew on antisemitic tropes.

Bermant said Israel’s approach could change if Netanyahu loses power in the October 27 election. He said Netanyahu’s rivals may still seek relations with figures such as Le Pen, who could potentially hold power, but may avoid associating Israel too closely with the broader far-right movement.

A former Israeli ambassador to Europe, who requested anonymity to preserve diplomatic relationships, said he understood why Israel had refrained from criticising Bardella given the possibility that he and Le Pen could play leading roles in France’s government.

However, he argued that Israel should avoid rapidly aligning itself with politically divisive figures.

“One day governments will change from right to left, from left to right, and if you glue yourselves to the radical right, then you paint yourself with a certain colour,” he said.