Heckling, violence and Islamophobia: Israeli audience cheers far-right activist Tommy Robinson during contentious Tel Aviv event

British far-right activist Tommy Robinson’s controversial visit to Israel has continued to spark outrage in the UK, following his latest appearance at a speaking event in Tel Aviv, where he was reported to have made anti-Arab and anti-Muslim remarks. 

According to Israeli media, Robinson attended the engagement on Saturday night hosted by the Tel Aviv International Salon, a self-described nonpartisan speakers’ forum for young adults that "offers a platform for debate and discussion with leading voices from across the political spectrum".

The anti-Islam agitator, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was greeted with loud applause and cheers from more than 1,000 attendees, including Israel’s Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli of the Likud party, who had extended the invitation to Robinson.  

According to The Times of Israel, supporters approached him beforehand to express gratitude for his vocal backing of Israel.  

Many in attendance were seen wearing far-right insignia and apparel, such as "Make America Great Again" and "Total Victory" hats.

In his address, Robinson dismissed reports of genocide in Gaza, saying that his trip included visits to Jerusalem, a Palestinian refugee camp. He also announced an upcoming tour of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, which he referred to as "Judea and Samaria", invoking the biblical names for the Palestinian territory used by the Israeli government that are not internationally recognised. 

Doubling down on his support for Israel, Robinson described it "as a beacon of democracy surrounded by totalitarian, sharia-driven hellholes".

He also attacked British Jewish organisations including the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council - both pro-Israel bodies - that had vocally condemned his visit. 

Upon Robinson’s arrival in Israel on Wednesday, the groups called him "a thug who represents the worst of Britain," saying that his presence undermines genuine efforts to counter extremism and promote community cohesion. 

"They’re attacking me because they’re political establishment figures," Robinson said in response to the criticism. 

"Do not believe the media, do not believe Keir Starmer," he added.

Robinson also signalled his opposition to the UK’s recognition of a Palestinian state by claiming he felt "embarrassed coming here as a British citizen as I know my government betrayed every single one of you, betrayed your country".

During the event, a lone heckler interrupted, shouting "Tommy Robinson is a racist".

The protester was met with boos and reportedly assaulted by members of the audience. 

Israeli media reported that in the days leading up to his Tel Aviv appearance, Robinson toured the Gaza border with Chikli, visited a West Bank settlement, and met with a local far-right campaigner in a south Tel Aviv neighbourhood. 

Chikli said he had invited Robinson to Israel on 3 October following an attack on a synagogue in northern England that left two Jewish worshippers dead.  

However, Robinson, the founder of the English Defence League, has a long history of promoting anti-immigrant, antisemitic, and anti-Muslim rhetoric.