In brief
The upcoming visit reflects a significant change in the National Rally's approach as it seeks to distance itself from its controversial past and align with Israel against Islamist extremism.
March 13, 2025, marks a pivotal moment for the National Rally party of France, as its president, Jordan Bardella, prepares for an official visit to Israel. This marks an unprecedented shift as no prior leader of the party, including the prominent Marine Le Pen, has made such a trip. Bardella's announcement comes at a time when the party is working to redefine its public image in the wake of its notorious past ties to antisemitism.Bardella's recent statement in Le Journal du Dimanche emphasized the party’s commitment against "Islamist ideology," aligning with Israel's ongoing struggles against Hamas and Hezbollah. "Antisemitism is a poison," he declared, reinforcing his stance. The visit, scheduled for late March, includes participation in a conference focused on antisemitism and visits to areas impacted by Hamas attacks.Despite Bardella’s pledges, opposition from within the Jewish community persists. Influential intellectual Bernard-Henri Lévy publicly withdrew from the Jerusalem conference upon learning of Bardella's involvement, illustrating a significant divide regarding acceptance of the National Rally's newfound stance.Historically, the party's founder Jean-Marie Le Pen made inflammatory statements that downplayed the Holocaust, and the National Rally's past has been marked by anti-immigration and anti-Muslim rhetoric, which complicates its relationship with Jewish communities. Yet, some individuals within these communities have gravitated towards the party, viewing it as a bulwark against Islamist extremism.As Bardella walks the delicate line between reformation and historical precedent, the outcome of his visit may reshape the future of both the National Rally and its relationship with the Jewish community in France, as well as its position on the international stage.
