Likud officials label FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl a friend of Israel

Representatives of Israel’s ruling Likud party have publicly identified Austrian FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl and EU MEP Harald Vilimsky as ‘friends of Israel’ and the Jewish people. The rapprochement occurred during a conference titled ‘Islamism and Antisemitism: Threats to Europe’s Freedom’ held at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

The event featured Likud officials Ariel Bulshtein and Ariel Kellner, alongside representatives from other European right-wing parties such as Hungary’s Fidesz and Spain’s Vox. The conference focused on the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and rising antisemitism in Europe. Likud representatives characterized Israel as a bulwark against Islamism and argued that the October 7 attacks targeted the Judeo-Christian foundations of Europe as much as Israel itself.

This meeting marks a significant shift in diplomatic relations, as Israel had avoided the FPÖ for over two decades following previous political tensions involving the party. The outreach follows months of preparation by Vilimsky, who has made multiple trips to Israel to establish ties with Likud leadership. Additionally, Netanjahu’s Likud party was granted observer status within the ‘Patriots for Europe’ European political family in early 2025.