Israeli minister invites anti-Muslim 'ally' Tommy Robinson for visit

Israel's Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli has provoked widespread outrage by inviting far-right anti-Muslim agitator Tommy Robinson to visit Israel later this month, describing him as a "British patriot" and "true friend of Israel and the Jewish people".

The move, announced after a deadly synagogue attack in Manchester, has been condemned by British politicians, interfaith figures and anti-racism campaigners as an alarming alignment between the Israeli government and a figure widely regarded as a fascist provocateur in the UK. 

"In the wake of the horrific Manchester terrorist attack, Israel and the Jewish people stand firmly with our allies in the United Kingdom," Chikli said in a post on X.

"On behalf of the State of Israel, I am proud to host British patriot Tommy Robinson. He has proven himself a true friend of Israel and the Jewish people, unafraid to speak the truth and confront hate."

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley Lennon, confirmed he would accept the invitation following his upcoming trial, saying in remarks to the same social media site: "The UK and Israel are fighting the same battle - against the scourge of Islamic jihad."

Former Conservative cabinet minister Baroness Sayeeda Warsi called Israel's courting of Robinson "irresponsible and deeply dangerous behaviour", writing on X that "the Israeli Minister inviting Tommy Robinson - a man with multiple convictions for violence and fraud - to Israel… let that sink in."

She added that "at a time all communities in the UK are uniting to support our Jewish community as they grieve, the State of Israel is sowing division, supporting and promoting those [who] platform hate".

Sunder Katwala, director of the think tank British Future, told The Independent that Robinson "is a voice of prejudice and division", and urged "cross-party and inter-faith pressure on Israel to withdraw this invitation".

He added that British Jewish organisations have consistently rejected Robinson’s attempts to portray himself as their ally.

Robinson's record includes multiple convictions for assault, fraud, contempt of court and defamation. His 2025 'Unite the Kingdom' rally in London drew more than 100,000 people and was followed by over 150 reports of anti-Muslim hate incidents, according to The Independent.

His activities have been linked to the radicalisation of far-right networks across Europe and to violent unrest in several British cities.

Chikli’s decision has therefore raised questions about Israel’s judgment and the direction of its diaspora policy. The Israeli minister has already fostered ties with other European Islamophobic far-right parties and figures, ranging from Hungary's Viktor Orban to Marine Le Pen, as well as Spain's Vox party.

By embracing a man synonymous with street violence and anti-Muslim hatred, critics say Israel risks legitimising the far right in Europe under the guise of solidarity.