Why Did Israel Embrace Jordan Bardella’s Far-Right National Rally?

Jordan Bardella, leader of France’s far-right National Rally (RN), recently visited Israel to attend a government-organized conference on antisemitism. His presence at such an event was once unimaginable, given his party’s controversial history.

National Rally’s Controversial Past

Founded in 1972 as the National Front by Jean-Marie Le Pen, the party has long been associated with antisemitism and xenophobia. Le Pen’s infamous comment referring to the Holocaust’s gas chambers as “a mere detail” remains a lasting stain on its reputation. Despite this past, Bardella received applause during the conference as he condemned antisemitism and anti-Zionism.

Bardella’s Strong Statement

Bardella emphasized the need for unity against growing anti-Jewish hatred and terrorism. He declared, “In the face of the disturbing resurgence of anti-Jewish hatred throughout Europe and the world, and in the face of terrorism that intends to destroy our lives and our values, we French believe more than ever in the imperative need for our nations to unite their voices and join forces in this fight.”

Boycott by Prominent Jewish Figures

However, Bardella’s visit did not receive unanimous support. High-profile Jewish figures, including Anti-Defamation League head Jonathan Greenblatt and French philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy, boycotted the event in protest against the participation of far-right European politicians.

A Shift in Political Alliances

Bardella’s visit signals a major shift in political alignments. Historically, Jewish communities in France and beyond have viewed the far right with suspicion due to its associations with antisemitism. However, Bardella and his predecessor, Marine Le Pen, have attempted to rebrand the party, distancing it from overt antisemitic rhetoric and focusing on opposition to immigration and Islamism.

At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has strengthened ties with right-wing movements across Europe, including those with controversial pasts. Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli defended Bardella’s presence, criticizing opponents for spreading falsehoods about Israel’s allies.

Bardella Blames Immigration for Rising Antisemitism

In his speech, Bardella linked the rise in antisemitism in France to immigration policies. He claimed that Holocaust education had become nearly impossible in some French schools due to demographic changes. “In the schools of the French republic, in some areas, the teaching of the Holocaust has become literally impossible, such is the extent to which the immigration policy pursued over the last 30 years has upset the great balances of our nation,” he said. He also criticized what he called “the deadly honeymoon between Islamism and the extreme left.”

National Rally’s Bid for Legitimacy

For Bardella and the National Rally, this visit was part of a broader strategy to gain legitimacy on the international stage. The party has worked to shed its extremist image, and recognition from Israel supports this effort. Analysts suggest that Netanyahu’s government, which includes far-right figures, sees a political advantage in engaging with European right-wing leaders.

Mixed Reactions from French Jews

French Jews remain divided. Some support the National Rally’s strong stance against Islamism, but leading Jewish organizations, such as the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions (CRIF), remain skeptical. CRIF leader Yonathan Arfi noted that Jewish institutions have historically distrusted the far right, and Bardella’s visit has done little to change that perception.

Bardella’s Political Rise

Born in 1995, Bardella joined RN as a teenager and quickly advanced under Marine Le Pen’s mentorship. In 2019, at just 23, he became one of the youngest members of the European Parliament. By 2022, he succeeded Le Pen as the party’s leader, becoming its first non-Le Pen president. His leadership has expanded the party’s influence, attracting a younger voter base.

However, Bardella’s actions suggest that the party’s transformation is incomplete. Earlier this year, he withdrew from the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in the U.S. after Steve Bannon made a controversial gesture likened to a Nazi salute. Additionally, his eulogy for Jean-Marie Le Pen in January, where he praised him as a defender of France’s identity, raised concerns about whether the party has truly distanced itself from its founder’s legacy.

Israel’s Engagement with Bardella

The Israeli government’s willingness to engage with Bardella highlights a shift in its diplomatic strategy. Netanyahu’s coalition includes figures like Itamar Ben Gvir, once considered too extreme for military service. This shift suggests Israel is prioritizing alliances based on shared opposition to radical Islam and immigration rather than historical grievances.

Critics argue that engaging with parties like National Rally risks legitimizing their problematic pasts. Analyst Pierre-Stéphane Fort suggests that Netanyahu’s government likely waited until Jean-Marie Le Pen’s death to open dialogue with RN, ensuring the founder’s controversial legacy would not overshadow diplomatic efforts.

Bardella’s visit to Israel represents a significant realignment of political interests. What was once unthinkable—a far-right National Rally leader being welcomed in Israel—now reflects a broader geopolitical shift. However, deep divisions remain, both within the Jewish community and among political observers, over whether this new engagement is a step forward or a troubling compromise.