The Austrian parliament will inaugurate an Israel Allies Caucus on Wednesday, joining a global network of parliamentary groups committed to supporting Israel through faith-based diplomacy.
The launch, which places shared Judeo-Christian values and democratic principles at the center of government engagement with the Jewish state, comes as other European countries, including France and Britain, have been increasingly critical of the continuing war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
“In times like these, we must learn from one another and stand united, especially in our support for Israel, which is more important now than ever,” said Austrian Parliament member Andreas Minnich from the ruling center-right People’s Party, who will chair the caucus. “In an era of rising antisemitism, it is vital to have strong and reliable allies by our side.”
The Austrian Israel Allies Caucus will include eight members from two of three governing parties; however, it will eschew the far-right Freedom Party due its Nazi past while seeking support from some lawmakers from the left-wing Green Party both of whom are in the opposition.
The Austrian lawmakers join an international network of 56 parliamentary caucuses around the world encompassing more than 1,500 legislators run by the Washington, D.C.-based Israel Allies Foundation, which spearheads support for Israel based on faith-diplomacy.
“While Austria and Israel have long maintained strong economic and cultural ties, the formation of this caucus signals a more focused and values-driven commitment to supporting Israel’s sovereignty, democratic identity, and security,” said Leo van Doesburg, Europe Director of the Israel Allies Foundation. “It also reflects Austria’s resolve to combat rising antisemitism and counter growing anti-Israel sentiment both within Europe and on the global stage.”
‘Not just about foreign policy’
Austria is considered to be one of the most pro-Israel countries within the 27-member European Union.
Two years ago, former Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg said Austria has “entered into a strategic, extremely close relationship with Israel that can no longer be undone.”
Last year, the head of Jerusalem’s Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Dani Dayan told JNS that Austria has emerged a leader in the fight against antisemitism, three decades after formally admitting its role in the Holocaust and in a virtual about-face from earlier denials of collaboration with Nazi Germany.
The relations between the two countries have remained strong during the 19-month-long war against Hamas in Gaza, despite growing international concern over Israel’s military campaign and criticism over the humanitarian situation in the coastal strip.
“At a time when Israel faces increasing international pressure and hostility, this is not just about foreign policy. It’s about choosing truth, democracy and shared values over political expediency,” said Josh Reinstein, president of the Israel Allies Foundation.
