Tommy Robinson's government-funded propaganda tour to Israel has backfired spectacularly, with widespread online mockery following his public humiliation by Israeli figures and condemnation from British Jewish leaders.
The trip, which began on October 15, quickly turned into a PR disaster as Robinson was confronted by Rabbi Yishai Fleisher, a former advisor to Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who told him the British have a "special place in hell for turning on the Jewish people," a remark Robinson was forced to accept without protest. This moment, captured on video and widely shared, became a focal point of ridicule, with commentators highlighting the irony of a self-proclaimed British nationalist being rebuked by a Jewish representative.
Robinson’s attempts to defend himself were met with further criticism, including a physical assault on a heckler who called him a racist at a Tel Aviv event, and a growing backlash from both the British Jewish community and right-wing critics who view his alliance with Israeli figures as a betrayal.
During a Knesset event, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana reportedly shushed Robinson when he interrupted a scripted moment, further highlighting the awkwardness of the encounter.
Robinson’s visit was condemned by the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council, who called him a "thug who represents the very worst of Britain" and stated his presence undermines efforts to combat extremism.
The Israeli government’s decision to invite Robinson, particularly by Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, drew fierce criticism, with the Knesset committee for Diaspora Affairs demanding a formal apology for bypassing British Jewish leaders.
A protest against Robinson’s visit led to the arrest of two individuals, including a rabbi, outside Chikli’s home, underscoring the deep division his presence caused.
Journalists and activists, including Heidi Bachram and Raoul Wootliff, condemned the invitation, arguing it was an insult to British Jews and a dangerous embrace of far-right extremism.
Robinson’s own rhetoric, including past antisemitic claims such as accusing "powerful Jewish people" of controlling media and government, has been widely cited as evidence of his problematic history, despite his current self-presentation as a pro-Israel advocate.
The trip has also sparked internal conflict within the British right, with figures like Jayda Fransen and Gareth Icke criticizing Robinson for aligning with Israeli far-right leaders while alienating his own base.
