Sa’ar defends establishing relations with 3 far-right European parties but acknowledges they have ‘bad roots’

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar explains his decision to establish relations with three European far-right parties, saying that he is looking at their current attitudes and that he would never legitimize neo-Nazis.

“I instructed my ministry to establish relations with National Rally, the Sweden Democrats, and Vox,” he tells Jewish and pro-Israel leaders in Brussels. “The connection will be like with any other political party. After I reviewed the matter and heard the opinion of the professional level – I didn’t see a reason not to do so. The opposite.”

“We are checking responsibly per case the different parties,” he continues. “We check their attitudes toward Israel and their support for Israel. We are also reviewing their attitudes toward antisemitism, Holocaust denial, and other such matters.”

Sa’ar acknowledges that some of the parties “have bad roots.”

“But we look at their deeds on the ground today. Do they denounce or ban party members with antisemitic statements? This is a substantial indication.”

He says the Foreign Ministry is also speaking to them about ritual issues necessary for Jewish life, like circumcision and Kashrut.

“We do not want to give up on friends in Europe, but we also don’t want to give legitimacy to parties that empower neo-Nazi phenomena,” he insists. “Ultimately, we make the final decision. But we have a dialogue with leaders of Jewish communities on the topic.”