Israeli Minister Endorses Marine Le Pen for French President, Sparking Controversy
An Israeli minister has caused a stir by endorsing Marine Le Pen for French president, stating that she would make an “excellent” leader for the country as her right-wing party seeks significant gains in the current election.
Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli made the bold statement on Tuesday, proclaiming, “It is excellent for Israel that she will be the president of France, with 10 exclamation marks.” He even suggested that his view may be shared by other members of Israel’s leadership, hinting that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may hold a similar opinion.
Le Pen’s National Rally has been gaining momentum in the European parliamentary elections, surpassing expectations and causing French President Emmanuel Macron to call a snap election. The far-right party has continued to perform well in the domestic election, with Le Pen making significant strides in her presidential bids over the years.
The endorsement of Le Pen by an Israeli minister has raised eyebrows, especially in light of the party’s controversial history. Marine Le Pen has distanced herself from her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, who has a track record of antisemitic hate speech and Holocaust denial.
The election in France has taken a sharp focus on cultural issues, with immigration and antisemitism playing a significant role. The recent alleged hate crime against a 12-year-old Jewish girl has further heightened tensions, prompting some to question the future of French Jews in the country.
As the election unfolds, the endorsement of Marine Le Pen by an Israeli minister has added a new layer of complexity to an already contentious political landscape.
