A controversial antisemitism conference and rising tensions in Gaza are fueling international criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose alignment with far-right leaders echoes Donald Trump’s global influence.
AT A GLANCE
- European far-right leaders joined Netanyahu at an antisemitism conference in Jerusalem.
- Critics say Israel’s alliance with populists distorts the fight against antisemitism.
- Protests surge in both Gaza and Israel amid growing public discontent.
- Trump’s proposed U.S. role in Gaza draws backlash across diplomatic circles.
- Public confidence in Israeli and Palestinian leadership is sharply declining.
Far-Right Alliances Raise Alarms
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has deepened his ties with far-right European leaders, hosting a contentious antisemitism conference in Jerusalem that many mainstream Jewish leaders boycotted. Figures like Milorad Dodik of Bosnia and Jordan Bardella of France, known for nationalist and anti-immigrant views, were among the attendees, prompting criticism that the conference politicized the fight against antisemitism.
While Netanyahu proclaimed that “antisemitism is a disease carried by barbarians,” critics noted the conference’s focus on leftist and Muslim sources of antisemitism, largely ignoring threats from the far right—many of whom were present at the event.
Watch coverage of the Jerusalem conference.
Domestic Dissent and Global Fallout
The event’s fallout has exposed deeper strains in Israeli society. Protests against Netanyahu’s coalition have grown in scale, with demonstrators decrying his erosion of judicial independence and mishandling of the ongoing Gaza conflict. “Today, under a very extreme government, democracy is not guaranteed here in Israel,” said Yair Fink, a leader in the anti-government movement, in comments to Newsweek.
Public sentiment is also shifting in Palestinian territories, where criticism of both Israeli actions and Hamas governance is mounting. Despite rising discontent, neither side’s leadership has shown signs of political retreat.
On platforms like X, political analysts are voicing concern about the deepening polarization and lack of viable diplomatic alternatives.
Trump’s Shadow Over Mideast Diplomacy
The diplomatic strain is compounded by Donald Trump’s recent suggestion that the U.S. establish a long-term security presence in Gaza. The idea has drawn harsh criticism from U.S. allies and Middle Eastern stakeholders, who warn it would inflame tensions and destabilize future peace efforts. As outlined in a New York Times report, Netanyahu’s alignment with Trump-era ideologies continues to shape Israeli policy at home and abroad.
Netanyahu’s embrace of populist figures and aggressive rhetoric appears aimed at solidifying his base amid growing domestic challenges. However, his strategy risks isolating Israel from Western democracies that remain wary of far-right influence and the undermining of democratic institutions.
Confidence Wanes as Protest Grows
As unrest escalates, both Israeli and Palestinian citizens are increasingly disillusioned. Protesters in Tel Aviv and Gaza City are calling for structural change, not just ceasefires. While leadership on both sides shows little willingness to compromise, civic engagement is surging.
For now, the intertwined strategies of Netanyahu and Trump continue to reshape the global diplomatic conversation, placing their controversial brand of politics at the center of some of the world’s most sensitive conflicts.
