Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government is increasingly aligning with far-right parties in Europe as Israel faces growing isolation due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Despite concerns over the historical antisemitism associated with some of these parties, Netanyahu has welcomed their support for Israel. Following allegations against French National Rally leader Jordan Bardella regarding past derogatory remarks about Jews, Israeli Minister Amichai Chikli defended him, citing Bardella's opposition to Hamas. Chikli noted Bardella's meetings with victims of the October 7, 2023 attack, which marked a significant escalation in violence between Israel and Hamas.
Historically, Israel has taken a strong stance against far-right parties, as seen in 2000 when it recalled its ambassador to Austria after the Freedom Party, linked to former Nazis, joined the government. However, the current government has normalized relations with the Freedom Party, with Chikli calling a recent speech by its leader a "historic turning point" in combating antisemitism.
Israel has also engaged with far-right leaders across Europe, including in Sweden, Spain, and Britain, focusing on shared concerns about Muslim migration. In Latin America, Israel has celebrated its relationships with newly elected pro-Israel leaders in Argentina and Colombia. However, it has refrained from engaging with Germany's far-right AfD party, with former ambassador Jeremy Issacharoff expressing concerns about the implications of such alliances for local Jewish communities.
Israeli officials have used blunt language towards Western leaders who criticize Israel, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar recently commending a British far-right leader for opposing sanctions on Israeli settlements while disparaging British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband. Azriel Bermant, a researcher at the Institute of International Relations Prague, suggested that Netanyahu's strategy involves creating divisions within Europe to gain support for Israel. He noted that Netanyahu's relationship with Hungary's Viktor Orban exemplifies this approach, despite Orban's controversial campaign rhetoric.
Looking ahead, analysts predict that Israel's foreign policy may shift if Netanyahu loses power in the upcoming elections, with potential changes in how Israel engages with far-right leaders. A former Israeli ambassador emphasized the need for Israel to be pragmatic and cautious in its alliances, warning against becoming too closely associated with divisive figures.