Dutch populist leader Geert Wilders was awarded the Jabotinsky Prize for Liberty during his visit to Israel, where he affirmed his unwavering support for the Jewish state. Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana presented the award, commending Wilders for his decades-long advocacy against radical Islam and support for Israel’s sovereignty. Wilders met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and other senior officials during his diplomatic visit.
Wilders, leader of the Party for Freedom (PVV) in the Netherlands, emphasized the critical importance of Israel’s control over its territories, particularly the Jordan Valley settlements in Judea and Samaria. He described them as Israel’s “bulletproof vest,” asserting that losing them would jeopardize the country’s survival. The October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas, which claimed over 1,200 Israeli lives, further underscored the existential threats Israel faces, according to Wilders.
In his acceptance speech, Wilders called for global solidarity with Israel in its fight against groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. He criticized institutions such as the UN and the International Criminal Court (ICC) for what he described as their unjust attacks on Israel’s right to self-defense. Wilders linked anti-Israel sentiment to the rise of “self-hatred” among Western elites and the growing influence of woke ideologies that undermine national sovereignty.
The Dutch leader issued a stark warning: if Israel falls, the West will be next. He argued that Israel’s resilience serves as an example for Western nations to emulate in preserving their national identities and defending their borders. In an earlier commentary, Wilders urged European nations to adopt a “Zionism for Europe” model, advocating for the protection of sovereignty against globalist influences.
Wilders’ visit highlighted his belief that Israel is not only a key ally but also a symbol of what he considers the critical battle for national identity and survival in the face of globalist and Islamist threats.
