Far-Right Surge in Germany Sparks Widespread Concern, Poses Dilemma for Israel

The significant electoral gains of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party are causing deep concern across Europe and in Israel, presenting a complex political and moral challenge. This rise is seen not as an isolated event but as a reflection of a profound shift in public opinion, driven by citizen frustration with traditional leadership's handling of economic and security crises, according to Olga Deutsch, Deputy President of NGO Monitor and an expert on Israel-Germany relations.

This trend mirrors similar developments in France, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy, indicating a broader challenge to the established political order in Europe. Deutsch emphasizes that the AfD's success sends a clear message to the rest of the continent, as the far-right increasingly confronts the status quo.

However, the AfD's rise in Germany carries particular historical weight. The party is perceived as more extreme than its European counterparts, advocating pro-Russian stances, opposing immigration, and including elements accused of fascism. Germany's political establishment has largely boycotted the AfD, leading to a political stalemate where no mainstream party will form a coalition with them, leaving only the far-left open to dialogue.

The implications for the Jewish community in Germany and for German-Israeli relations are significant. Deutsch states that Israel and the German Jewish community view the AfD as fascist, anti-Jewish, antisemitic, and anti-Israel. The danger extends beyond direct threats to Jewish institutions, fostering a broader acceptance of extremist discourse in public life, which blurs lines and undermines Germany's historical consensus on its moral responsibility towards the Jewish people and Israel.

This situation places Israel in a difficult position, balancing its commitment to combating antisemitism and preserving historical memory with the pragmatic need for foreign policy in a changing Europe. Israel must navigate this dilemma, as the AfD, while still boycotted in Germany, is gaining acceptance elsewhere, forcing Jerusalem to soon decide on legitimate international partners.