European far-right’s great turn toward Israel

In the final quarter of the 20th century, the far-right was primarily associated with antisemitism and racism. By the end of the first quarter of the 21st century, however, its exclusionary rhetoric had increasingly shifted toward immigrants, while its traditional antisemitic positions had, in significant parts of the European radical right, been replaced or reframed through Islamophobic discourse. Zionism and pro-Americanism, once regarded as two major ideological enemies, increasingly became part of its own political identity.

The U.S.-Israel alignment that accompanied this sharp paradigm shift contributed to the transformation of the far-right from a marginal movement with limited electoral support into a significant actor in mainstream European politics.

To understand the transformation of the far-right and its contemporary political position, it is useful to examine the three major radical-right groups within the European Parliament.

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The article is from a Turkish website, and it follows the general tendency to label any group that opposes open borders as "far right", but it's nevertheless an interesting perspective.

The first issue is that European nationalist movements, particularly those with younger leadership and followings, are much less likely to be focused on and preoccupied with Jews than their predecessors. Indeed, most French supporters of National Rally that I've met have either been neutral towards or supportive of Israel. This reflects both the practical reality that A. Jews aren't particularly numerous and not a visible "minority" in Europe these days and B. Israel is seen as an ally for political parties whose main focus is on preventing Muslim mass immigration into Europe. Indeed, some members of Israel's Likud have embraced European nationalists as allies as well.

The second interesting point is that European nationalists are no longer anti-American. Until recently, the United States, whether it was led by liberal Democrats or mainstream Republicans, was seen as a force behind internationalism and thus opposed to ethno-nationalist movements. Largely due to Trump's presidency, which has reached out to parties like AfD in Germany, National Rally in France, and Fidesz in Hungary, the US is now seen as an ally of nationalist movements rather than an enemy. This is certainly a welcome development both at our end and theirs.

its traditional antisemitic positions had, in significant parts of the European radical right, been replaced or reframed through Islamophobic discourse. Zionism and pro-Americanism, once regarded as two major ideological enemies, increasingly became part of its own political identity.

The Donald J. Trump administration's bold assertions and speeches have educated many. Finally, leaders willing to see things in black and white, demand accountability, and propose solutions.

Due to the Islamic invasion of their continent, the Euro right has fully awakened to the very real threat of national / cultural annihilation, and thus now sees Israel as a natural ally against worldwide Islamic jihad. Glad they finally wised up. Unfortunate that it had to be under these circumstances.

The Euro right’s recent pro-American sentiments are obviously tied to an appreciation of Trump having both the will and the guts to slam the borders shut and deport aliens en masse, something they can only dream about happening in Europe.

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