During a meeting in Belgium, Gideon Saar, Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced the establishment of formal relations with three European far -right parties: the National Rally (France), Vox (Spain) and the Democrats of Sweden. This decision marks a turning point in Israeli foreign policy. Saar explained that his ministry assesses each party according to their attitude towards Israel, their support for the country and their positions on anti -Semitism. Although recognizing their controversial origins, the Minister insisted on the importance of assessing their current actions.
For Gideon Saar, this strategy could allow Israel to expand its alliances on the European scene in the face of a changing international environment. By dialogue with influential parties, Israel could strengthen its position and defend its interests, while potentially influencing their perception of Israel and questions related to the Jewish community. However, some questions arise.
The Netanyahu government and certain European far -right parties share notable ideological convergences. The strong nationalism and the identity conception of Israel as a Jewish state find an echo with far -right parties, which also defend a nationalist and identity vision of their own country. The priority given to security and the fight against terrorism is another convergence area, with similar security speeches.
In addition, criticism of radical Islamism is shared, although European parties often extend it to Muslim immigration. Some European far -right parties have posted support for Israel, notably in the face of criticism from the left and the far left. However, these convergences do not mean a total identity of views, because important differences remain on other questions such as economic policy or international relations. In addition, this support (from the far right) can be instrumentalized for political ends, for example to justify xenophobic policies or attack criticism from Israel. Finally, it is crucial to emphasize that European far -right parties have various ideologies and attitudes towards Israel and the Jews, which makes this alliance complex.
Controversies and reactions
The merger of Israel with certain European far -right parties has considerable risks. This strategy could arouse strong controversy within Israeli society, where part of public opinion fiercely opposes it. European Jewish communities, often victims of anti -Semitism and xenophobia conveyed by these movements, could feel betrayed. In France, CRIF has already expressed its firm opposition to dialogue with the National Rally (RN), considering it as the heir to a far right tradition and a threat to republican values. Other Jewish organizations could adopt a similar position, creating community tensions. In addition, this rapprochement is likely to harm Israel’s reputation with its traditional allies on the right and left.
The case of the RN in France illustrates the complexities of this new diplomatic approach. Under the leadership of Marine Le Pen, the party undertook a strategy of “dediabolization” aimed at softening its image and making it more acceptable for part of the electorate. This strategy includes an official condemnation of anti -Semitism and an attempt to seduce Jewish voters, perceived as an obstacle to the progression of the party. According to some analysts, this approach aims to erase the controversial past of the RN and to gain in respectability.
Despite these efforts, the French Jewish institutions remain on their guard. The CRIF maintains a line of firmness towards the RN, stressing that the fight against anti -Semitism should not serve as an instrument for political calculations. The Union of Jewish Students of France (UEJF) and other associations share this position, actively mobilizing its members to counter the influence of the RN in the constituencies where its candidates arise.
Contrasting positions
The French Jewish community presents various positions against RN. Some voices have expressed themselves in favor of a dialogue with the party. For example, in July 2024, around thirty representatives of Jewish communities in Île-de-France met Marine Le Pen to discuss sensitive subjects. These supporters believe that the threat of radical Islamism is an absolute priority and that RN shares this objective. Others believe that the RN has sincerely evolved on the issue of anti -Semitism. Serge Klarsfeld, historian and lawyer, even said that in the event of a duel between the RN and the rebellious France, he would vote for the RN, considering it less dangerous for Jewish identity in France.
However, would it not be legitimate to remain cautious in the face of a party whose ideological roots remain controversial? This caution is justified by the need to distinguish official declarations from concrete actions. Ginette Kolinka, a survivor of the Shoah, considers for example that the vote for a party founded by Jean-Marie Le Pen is unthinkable.
In conclusion, the possible new Israeli policy of opening towards certain European far -right parties represents a risky bet with multiple issues. If it can, in the short term, strengthen Israel’s influence on a European changing scene, has substantial risks for the country’s internal cohesion, its relations with European Jewish communities, and its image with its traditional allies.
A major challenge
This rapprochement raises crucial questions: how to reconcile a dialogue with parties with a troubled past without requiring total transparency and an unequivocal conviction of any form of anti -Semitism, racism or xenophobia? How to preserve links with traditional Israel partners, based on shared democratic values, while exploring new alliances?
The future will say if this strategy, motivated by pragmatic ideological convergences and a desire to counter the influence of radical Islamism, will bear fruit in terms of international security and legitimacy. However, it cannot justify a weakening of the ethical principles which found the identity of Israel and its historical alliances. Maintaining these principles is essential to preserve the credibility and consistency of Israeli foreign policy.
The major challenge for Israeli diplomacy will be to find a delicate balance between political pragmatism and loyalty to these principles. This question confronts us with a fundamental choice: in the quest for its security, can a state legitimately ally with forces of which certain values could contradict its own? The answer to this question will not only define the future of Israel, but also our collective understanding of democracy and the values that underlie it in a world in full geopolitical recomposition.
*Marc Knobel is a historian. He has published several works including Hatred and anti -Semitic violence in 2013 (Berg International, 350 pages) then Cyberhaine: propaganda and anti -Semitism on the Internetin 2021 (Hermann, 231 pages).
.