Jerusalem Conference Links US Christian Nationalists with Israeli Extremists Amid Antisemitism Concerns

Key points

• The National Conservatism (NatCon) conference, held in Jerusalem from October 6 to 8, features speakers from the US, Europe, and Israel, including controversial figures like Bezalel Smotrich and Hans-Georg Maaßen.
• Sebastian Gorka, the US anti-terrorism czar, was initially scheduled to speak but withdrew due to a scheduling conflict, though his presence was advertised on the conference website.
• Critics, including scholars and commentators, argue that the conference normalizes antisemitism and white nationalism by linking Christian nationalist ideologies with Israeli ethnostate politics.
• The event is organized by the Edmund Burke Foundation, founded by Yoram Hazony, and includes panels on immigration, cultural replacement, and the implications of October 7.
• Several attendees, including Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts and former deputy national security adviser Victoria Coates, have faced criticism for their associations with far-right figures and alleged antisemitic rhetoric.

Background

Recent developments in Israel’s far-right political landscape have intensified, with leaders like Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich pushing for harsher measures against Palestinians and aggressive settlement expansion. These trends align with the broader narrative of the NatCon conference, which seeks to bridge Christian nationalist and Israeli nationalist ideologies. Additionally, the US-Israel relationship has seen tensions over Iran’s nuclear program, with US officials casting doubt on diplomatic solutions, further complicating the geopolitical context in which this conference takes place.

Why it matters

The NatCon conference highlights the growing intersection of far-right ideologies across the US, Europe, and Israel, raising concerns about the normalization of antisemitism and white nationalism within mainstream conservative politics. This convergence could influence policy decisions and international relations, particularly regarding Israel and the Middle East.

What to watch

The conference will continue through October 8, with panels and speeches from various attendees. Observers will monitor the outcomes and any potential policy shifts or alliances formed during the event. Additionally, the reactions from critics and supporters will shape the discourse around the conference’s implications for far-right politics and antisemitism.