Israel Welcomes Austrian Far-Right Party Leader’s Holocaust Apology, Jerusalem Embassy Pledge
Gideon Sa'ar called the speech a positive step as Kickl condemned Hamas, backed the IHRA antisemitism definition and sought closer ties with Jewish communities.
- On Thursday, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced Israel views 'positively' Austrian Freedom Party leader Herbert Kickl's speech, in which Kickl apologized for Austria's Holocaust role and condemned the Hamas massacre.
- Israel had previously maintained a formal boycott of the FPÖ due to its founding by former Nazi Party and SS members, including Anton Reinthaller, and the party's history of antisemitism controversies.
- Kickl pledged to move Austria's embassy to Jerusalem, backed Israel's right to defend itself, and endorsed the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism as part of a new partnership with Jewish communities.
- Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli called the rapprochement a 'historic turning point,' though Saar cautioned that rebuilding trust requires turning these commitments into concrete actions.
- Experts warn of 'small October 7s' across Europe as Israel increasingly engages far-right parties like Spain's Vox, shifting diplomatic strategy amid rising antisemitism and regional security concerns.
13 Articles
13 Articles
The FPÖ further strengthens its international relations with Israel. At a conference in the EU Parliament in Strasbourg, party leader Herbert Kickl and his MEP Harald Vilimsky presented themselves as the "new protectors for Jewish interests". There are loud applause from Israel's government for this.
The event, which took place on 16 September 2026 in the premises of the EU Parliament in Strasbourg, is historical from a number of points of view. Never before in history has an Israeli government handed the hands of the free party in a similar way. The right-wing conservative Likud also risks a lot in Israel, because one is in the hot campaign phase. The criticism from the political left in Israel will without doubt be harsh.
From Nazi roots to Jerusalem? Austria’s far right turns toward Israel after decades of distrust
Israel is signaling a possible breakthrough in its long-frozen relationship with Austria’s Freedom Party (FPÖ) after leader Herbert Kickl apologized for Austria’s role in the Holocaust, unequivocally condemned Hamas’ Oct. 7 massacre, and pledged to stand with Israel and Austria’s Jews. Kickl rejected attempts to portray Oct. 7 as “resistance,” backed Israel’s right to defend […]
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