Israel, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has expanded ties with several European far-right parties amid criticism over its campaign in Gaza. Government figures such as Amichai Chikli have defended politicians like Jordan Bardella for opposing Hamas, citing visits with October 7 survivors. Critics warn these relationships can legitimise far-right movements, risk alienating Jewish communities and damage Israel's international standing. Analysts say the approach aims to fracture European consensus but could change after the October 27 elections.
Israel Courts Europe's Far Right: New Alliances, Old Questions
Fraench National Rally (RN) leader Jordan Bardella visits the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem on March 26, 2025 (Jack GUEZ)
Facing growing international isolation over its military campaign in Gaza, Israel has deepened ties with several European far-right parties — a shift that has won allies but prompted unease among critics and many Jewish communities abroad.
Recent Developments
Israel's government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has largely welcomed visits and endorsements from hard-line European politicians so long as they publicly back Israel. That posture was evident after a French investigative site reported allegations that National Rally leader Jordan Bardella made derogatory remarks about Jews as a teenager. Israel's minister responsible for combating antisemitism, Amichai Chikli, defended Bardella, calling him "one of the clearest voices in Europe against Hamas" and citing Bardella's meetings last year with survivors of the October 7, 2023 attacks.
Historical Context
This approach marks a departure from earlier Israeli policy. In 2000, Israel recalled its ambassador to Austria and joined a campaign to ostracise a government that included the Freedom Party, which had roots linked to former Nazis. Under Netanyahu's administration, however, relations with Austria's Freedom Party have been normalised: in September, Chikli described a speech by leader Herbert Kickl — in which Kickl vowed to "combat antisemitism and fight against anti‑Zionism" — as a "historic turning point." Germany's AfD remains a notable exception, with Israeli officials still keeping distance.
Why Israel Is Reaching Out
Analysts and former diplomats say Israel's outreach is partly pragmatic: as criticism of Israel grows among centrist and left-leaning governments, right-wing Israeli politicians have sought new allies to break European consensus and secure political backing.
"By building relations with Israel, they get a sort of kosher certificate," said former Israeli ambassador to Berlin Jeremy Issacharoff, warning that the relationship risks "damage to [Israel's] values and its international standing."
Domestic And Diaspora Concerns
Civil society and Jewish groups in Europe and Britain have voiced alarm. In Britain, some Jewish organisations protested after Israel welcomed far-right activist Tommy Robinson last year. Critics also point to instances of undiplomatic rhetoric from Israeli officials — Foreign Minister Gideon Saar publicly praised the leader of Britain's hard-right Reform Party for opposing proposed UK sanctions on settlement goods, while Chikli mocked British Foreign Secretary David Miliband's hairstyle — as evidence of growing polarization in Israel's diplomacy.
Risks And What Might Change
Observers warn that cultivating relations with divisive far-right figures can grant those parties domestic legitimacy while harming Jewish communities and Israel's global reputation. Analysts say the policy could shift if Israel's government changes after the upcoming October 27 elections: rivals might still engage with right-wing leaders who could take office in Europe, but they may avoid explicitly tying Israel's image to the radical right.
Key takeaways: Israel's courting of Europe's far right is a strategic response to diplomatic isolation that carries reputational and communal risks, and its long-term direction may depend on domestic political outcomes.
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