An Israeli minister has publicly endorsed Marine Le Pen for the French presidency, stating that she would be an 'excellent' leader for the country. Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli expressed his support for Le Pen, emphasizing the potential benefits for Israel if she were to become the president of France.
Chikli's endorsement raised speculation about the alignment of views within Israel's leadership, with suggestions that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may share a similar opinion. The reasons behind Chikli's public support for Le Pen remain unclear.
Marine Le Pen's right-wing party, the National Rally, has been gaining momentum in French politics, surpassing expectations in recent elections. The party's success has posed a challenge to French President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party, prompting him to call for a snap election.
Le Pen, who has run for president three times in the past decade, has seen a steady increase in her electoral performance. In the most recent presidential election, she secured 41.5% of the vote against Macron.
The ongoing parliamentary elections in France have highlighted cultural issues, particularly concerning immigration and antisemitism. Right-wing parties, including the National Rally, have capitalized on these issues to attract support.
The election campaign has been marked by incidents of antisemitism, such as the alleged hate crime involving the gang rape of a 12-year-old Jewish girl. The incident has raised concerns within the Jewish community in France, with some expressing doubts about their future in the country.
Rabbi Moshe Sebbag of the Grande Synagogue in Paris has urged young French Jews to consider relocating to Israel or other 'more secure' countries. Despite some gestures of support for Israel from the National Rally, concerns persist about the party's historical ties to antisemitism.
Marine Le Pen has distanced herself from her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, who has a history of making antisemitic remarks. The complex political landscape in France has left many Jewish voters feeling uncertain about where to place their trust.
The election dynamics in France reflect broader trends in European politics, where right-wing parties have gained traction by addressing issues of immigration and security. The outcome of the parliamentary elections will have significant implications for the future direction of French politics and society.
