Now I’m going to tell you an absurd but true story. The kind that makes you say, “Is the world turning upside down?”
Why has Israel become so involved with far-right parties in Europe? Those groups that are notorious for their anti-Semitism, have been the stronghold of anti-Semitism throughout history, and openly praise Hitler… Yes, I’m talking about them exactly. Here, the Israeli government is sitting at the same table with them!
So why?
Anti-Muslimism: Common Enemy, Common Interest
What does Israel have to do with this? It’s very simple: Support for Palestine in Europe is growing, and leftists, liberals, and human rights organizations openly call what Israel is doing in Gaza a “massacre.” When this is the case, Israel finds a solution in creating new allies: the far-right!
Yes, you heard right! For years, the “anti-Semites” and Holocaust deniers are now Israel’s closest friends. Because they have a common hatred: Muslims. Far-right parties in Europe are known for their anti-immigrant policies. According to them, Muslim immigrants threaten the “cultural fabric” of Europe. And at this point, Israel is approaching this front by saying, “Look, we have been fighting them for years.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar recently instructed his diplomats to start talks with far-right parties in France, Spain and Sweden, which Israel has boycotted until now. In other words, this flirtation that has been carried out behind closed doors until now is now becoming official.
Now, the critical question here is:
Why is Israel Getting So Close to Europe’s Far-Right?
1️⃣ Islamophobia suits Israel.
Far-right parties in Europe are known for their anti-immigrant and especially anti-Muslim policies. These groups are ready to support Israel’s oppression of Palestine without any conditions, let alone criticize it! Because they buy into the “fight against terrorism” story Israel tells.
2️⃣ The rise of the far-right is comforting Israel.
Leftists, human rights activists and even some center-rightists are now increasing their criticism of Israel. However, as the far-right rises in Europe, the pressure on Israel is decreasing. Because far-rightists have the mindset that “whatever Israel does is right.”
3️⃣ Directing EU politics with the far-right.
Israel wants the far-right to influence policies in Europe. As anti-immigrant policies put pressure on the EU, the pressure on Israel is also decreasing. Because as the immigration issue grows, the Palestinian issue may fall off the agenda.
A New Teammate to Clean Up the Tarnished Image: The Far-Right!
Another dimension is Israel’s efforts to clean up its bad image in the international arena.
So much so that Israel is being protested more than ever before in history. The events in Gaza have made the word “Genocide” more heard with people taking to the streets all over the world.
Now, against all these reactions, Israel wants to give the message “look, we can still find allies” by getting behind the far-right. Especially far-right parties in Europe have become one of Israel’s biggest defenders in the West.
So where will this alliance lead?
Is Israel aiming to undermine support for Palestine by using the far-right in Europe?
Will the EU reduce its criticism of Israel as far-right parties gain more power in Europe?
Will this friendship established with the far-right really contribute to Israel’s long-term strategy?
Time will tell the answer to these questions. However, it is a great irony that the far-right, which has historically been the center of anti-Semitism, is on the same side as Israel today.
In short, Israel is using the far-right in Europe as a strategic tool. The far-right also sees Israel as an ally for their own Islamophobic agenda.
So how sustainable is such a partnership? That is a big mystery…
