Israel’s recent openness to closer ties with far-right European political parties has sparked controversy amid concerns over the implications for its international standing and relations with Jewish communities abroad. The shift, highlighted by support from Amichai Chikli, Israel’s Minister for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, marks a notable change in Israel’s engagement with Europe’s right-wing political landscape.
This development gained momentum in early 2025 when Gideon Sa’ar, newly appointed Foreign Minister, initiated efforts to strengthen connections with several far-right parties, including Spain’s Vox, the Sweden Democrats, and France’s National Rally (Rassemblement National, RN). The RN, led by Jordan Bardella and expected to rise in influence should Marine Le Pen secure the French presidency in 2027, has long faced accusations of antisemitism.
In March 2025, Chikli hosted a conference on antisemitism that included participation from far-right parties, with Bardella among the attendees. The event marked a rare stage for engagement on these terms and was followed in April 2026 by a visit from Le Pen to Israel. During this visit, Israel’s Ambassador to France, Joshua Zarka, described the RN as “a partner with whom we can talk,” signaling a significant endorsement.
Le Pen’s efforts to gain legitimacy from Jewish institutions in France have historically been unsuccessful, with organizations such as the Representative Council of French Jewish Institutions (CRIF) withholding approval. This stance has drawn criticism from notable figures within the French Jewish community, including Nazi hunter Serge Klarsfeld, who views the Israeli rapprochement with the RN as problematic.
Supporters of this engagement argue that it serves mutual interests. For the RN, alignment with Israel helps to counter accusations of antisemitism and improve the party’s image among the broader French electorate—a strategy aimed more at political normalization than winning substantial Jewish votes. The party’s visible participation in the November 2023 march against antisemitism and its vocally pro-Israel positions are seen by some analysts as politically motivated.
From Israel’s perspective, reaching out to far-right parties sympathetic to its policies represents an opportunity amid growing international isolation. These parties often share concerns regarding Islamist movements, which aligns with certain Israeli security and diplomatic priorities. However, critics warn that this strategy risks deepening Israel’s alienation within European public opinion, particularly among younger voters and centrist and left-leaning parties.
This alignment has prompted unease within France beyond the far-left opposition, threatening to polarize attitudes toward Israel among a wider swath of the political spectrum. As Israel pursues a vision described by its prime minister as transforming the country into a self-reliant “Sparta,” this approach underscores a broader strategy of embracing isolation rather than international consensus.
The evolving relationship between Israel and Europe’s far-right—including the recent high-profile support for Jordan Bardella amid allegations of past antisemitic remarks—will remain a significant factor in both nations’ domestic political landscapes as France prepares for elections scheduled for October 27.