National Rally's Historic Visit to Israel Marks Shift in French Far-Right Politics

Jordan Bardella, the young president of France's far-right National Rally party, is set to visit Israel this month, marking a historic shift in the party's approach toward Jewish communities and antisemitism. Bardella has openly condemned antisemitism, calling it "a poison" and plans to attend a conference in Jerusalem focused on this issue while also visiting areas affected by Hamas attacks.

This visit, scheduled for late March, is unprecedented as no leader from the National Rally, including Marine Le Pen, has previously made an official trip to Israel. Under Bardella’s leadership, the party has intensified its opposition to what it terms "Islamist ideology," prompting newfound support for Israel and its conflict with groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. However, many French Jews remain wary, with notable critics like Bernard-Henri Lévy withdrawing from the Jerusalem conference due to Bardella's participation.

The National Rally, originating from the National Front, carries a controversial legacy, with past leaders making insensitive remarks about historical tragedies, including the Holocaust. As Bardella navigates this complex history, his visit symbolizes a potential rebranding of the party, as they seek to ally with Jewish interests against radical Islamist movements while maintaining their anti-immigrant stance. The response to this development within French Jewish communities continues to be mixed, illustrating ongoing tensions surrounding the party's past and its present aspirations.