Spain's far-right party visits Israel, strengthens ties with Likud

By Alyssa McMurtry

OVIEDO, Spain (AA) - Amid friction with Madrid, leaders of Spain’s far-right Vox party visited Israel and met with government ministers from the country’s right-wing Likud party, Vox announced on Tuesday.

Vox, a minority party in Spain that won 12% of the popular vote in July’s elections, was invited by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party.

Vox leader Santiago Abascal alongside other members of the party met with Israel’s Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli and Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter.

Abascal posted on X that during the trip, Vox “strengthened its close ties” with Likud and the Israeli government.

During the meeting, the far-right leaders discussed “stopping radical Islam” and defending “European values.”

Vox leadership has repeatedly been accused of xenophobia and has faced legal proceedings for comments against Muslims.

According to a statement by Vox, Chikli said the far-right Spanish party faces a “campaign of delegitimization” just like Likud.

Vox has called Spain’s democratically elected government, led by Pedro Sanchez, “illegal” and “illegitimate.”

“Together, we are convinced that we will continue working together for free speech, free thought, and all the values that are fundamental to Western civilization,” Chikli said, according to Vox.

Members of Spain’s mainstream and more popular conservative party have not visited Israel since Oct. 7.

The visit between the far-right politicians comes amid growing diplomatic tension between Israel and Spain.

Last week, Israel recalled its ambassador to Spain because Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he doubted that Israel was complying with international law in the way it has attacked the Gaza Strip.

The Spanish government has also promised to recognize the state of Palestine during this term. At the same time, Sanchez has condemned Hamas’ attacks, called for the release of hostages, and has been advocating for peace talks.

Vox’s Abascal will continue his international tour in the coming days, visiting the radical new leader of Argentina, Javier Milei.