Israeli Minister Says He Helped End Boycott of Tommy Robinson
Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli has claimed credit for helping end the political boycott of British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, describing him as an important figure and “one of our great friends in Britain.”
In recorded remarks, Chikli also said he had helped break what he called the boycott of France’s Rassemblement National and Spain’s Vox, arguing that Israel should build stronger relationships with conservative and nationalist movements across Europe.
Chikli said Israel should focus less on political and cultural elites and more on movements that appeal to wider sections of the public. He argued that Israel and figures such as Robinson share opposition to what he described as “radical Islam” as well as an emphasis on national identity, heritage and the nation-state.
The minister previously invited Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, to Israel in 2025, describing him as a British patriot and opponent of radical Islam. Robinson later visited the country.
The outreach has drawn strong criticism from leading British Jewish organisations, which have rejected Robinson and accused Chikli of disregarding the views of British Jews who oppose the far-right activist.
Robinson has faced multiple criminal convictions and longstanding criticism over anti-Muslim activism and far-right politics. Chikli’s remarks have therefore renewed debate over Israel’s growing engagement with nationalist and far-right movements in Europe.
