Dutch far-right leader praises Netanyahu, attacks European immigration policies

Geert Wilders, leader of the Netherlands’ anti-immigration Party for Freedom, has launched a scathing attack on European immigration policies whilst simultaneously praising Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Speaking at an event, Wilders warned of what he described as the strengthening of Islam across Europe and rising antisemitism on the continent, framing these as interconnected threats requiring urgent political action.

Wilders, whose party has gained significant influence in Dutch politics in recent years, drew comparisons between Netanyahu’s approach to security threats facing Israel and the policies he believes Europe should adopt. He expressed admiration for Netanyahu’s handling of what he characterised as jihadism and threats to Israeli sovereignty, suggesting that European leaders should adopt a similarly hardline stance towards immigration and religious integration.

The comments reflect broader tensions within European politics regarding immigration, religious minorities, and national security. Wilders’ remarks come at a time when far-right and nationalist movements across Europe have increasingly aligned themselves with Israeli security concerns, whilst simultaneously promoting restrictive immigration policies that disproportionately affect Muslim migrants and asylum seekers. His statements underscore growing divisions within European politics between those advocating for stricter immigration controls and multicultural integration policies.

Wilders’ party has consistently campaigned on a platform opposing Muslim immigration to the Netherlands, framing it as essential to preserving Dutch cultural identity and social cohesion. The endorsement of Netanyahu’s policies suggests a convergence of nationalist political movements internationally around shared concerns about religious and cultural change, though critics argue such rhetoric often conflates legitimate security concerns with prejudice against religious and ethnic minorities.

Source: Maariv — Original article in Hebrew.