Der Spiegel: Europe's Right-Wing Populists Find Allies in Israel

[marmar]

Europe's Right-Wing Populists Find Allies in Israel
By Charles Hawley


Islamophobic parties in Europe have established a tight network, stretching from Italy to Finland. But recently, they have extended their feelers to Israeli conservatives, enjoying a warm reception from members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition. Some in Israel believe that the populists are Europe's future.

Anders Breivik's 1,500-page manifesto is nothing if not thorough. Pages and pages of text outline in excruciating detail the ideological underpinnings of his worldview -- one which led him to kill 76 people in two terrible attacks in Norway last week.

It is a document which has led many to question Breivik's sanity. But it has also, due to its myriad citations and significant borrowing from several anti-immigration, Islamophobic blogs, highlighted the deeply entwined network of right-wing populist groups and parties across Europe -- from the Front National in France to Vlaams Belang in Belgium to the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ).

But recently it has become clear that Europe's populist parties aren't merely content to establish a network on the Continent. They are also looking further east. And have begun establishing tight relations with several conservative politicians in Israel -- first and foremost with Ayoob Kara, a parliamentarian with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party who is also deputy minister for development of the Negev and Galilee districts. ..............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,777175,00.html

[westerebus]

1. In five, four, three,

:popcorn:

[Fearless]

3. Pass the butter...

:popcorn:

[hlthe2b]

2. These extremist RWers are a scourge on the world...

Every country needs to get a handle on them. I certainly include the US and Europe in that assessment. I would likewise say that Israel should be particularly concerned as they may well be Israel's worst enemy in the long run. Israel has survived with some considerable assistance and good will throughout most of the world. How many of us want to support Israel if they move in a very undemocratic direction? How many of us would support the US if we continue a move towards fascism? There is some risk for both if we don't get a handle on this media-disseminated hatred.