UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Israel faces backlash after inviting far-right activist Tommy Robinson, with critics warning the move raises fears of UK divisions after the Manchester attack.
As reported by The Independent, Israel’s decision to host Tommy Robinson has sparked backlash, with warnings it could threaten unity in Britain.
Amichai Chikli, Israel’s minister for the diaspora and addressing antisemitism, praised Tommy Robinson as a “British patriot” ahead of his mid-October visit following the Manchester attack.
The minister called Robinson a “courageous leader on the front line against radical Islam.”
What did Sayeeda Warsi say about Israel inviting Tommy Robinson?
Ex-Conservative cabinet minister Baroness Warsi slammed Israel for “irresponsible and deeply dangerous” conduct in inviting Tommy Robinson, who has multiple convictions.
Lady Warsi, the first Muslim woman to serve in the cabinet, posted on X,
“The Israeli Minister inviting Tommy Robinson a man with multiple convictions for violence and fraud, to Israel in response to the horrific Manchester attack.”
She added,
“Let that sink in. At a time all communities in the UK are uniting to support our Jewish community as they grieve, the State of Israel is sowing division in our country, supporting and promoting those that platform hate and making our country unsafe. It’s time for all right thinking people to call out this irresponsible and deeply dangerous behaviour from Israel.”
Sunder Katwala’s views on Tommy Robinson’s Israel invite
Sunder Katwala, director of the think tank British Future, stated,
“Tommy Robinson is a voice of prejudice and division. There should be cross-party and multi-faith pressure on the Israeli government to withdraw its invitation.”
He added,
“Most British Jewish voices have consistently been clear that they reject Robinson’s bogus claim to be an ally of their community. It is important that we hear that again now.”
Tommy Robinson’s stance on his Israel visit after the Manchester attack
Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley Lennon, confirmed he plans to visit Israel following the minister’s invitation.
Robinson, previously jailed for contempt of court, said the Manchester attack that killed two has reinforced his view. He added that Britain and Israel are united against Islamic extremism.
He said he will visit Israel “immediately after” his October 13 trial, responding to the Israeli minister’s invitation.
Robinson confirmed visits to Jerusalem, the West Bank, Yad Vashem, the Jabotinsky Institute, and other significant locations, including Nova Festival sites.
He posted on X,
“I will visit the Knesset and meet with leaders of the Israeli government, including Minister Amichai Chikli, Israel’s Diaspora Minister who invited me, as well as many others. I also hope to get into Gaza.”
Robinson held a Unite the Kingdom rally in central London last month, attended by 110,000 to 150,000 people.
More than 150 incidents of anti-Muslim hate were reported to the Tell Mama charity in the week following the rally.
Robinson, founder of the English Defence League, was previously sentenced for contempt of court. This followed his repetition of false claims about a Syrian refugee who won a libel case against him.
He was jailed in 2019 after breaching reporting restrictions, risking the integrity of grooming trials in Huddersfield.
What did Amichai Chikli say about Tommy Robinson?
Amichai Chikli posted on X,
“Tommy is a courageous leader on the front line against radical Islam. At a time when Jews across Europe face rising anti-Semitism, it is vital to strengthen bonds with allies who refuse to be silent.”
He said,
“He has proven himself a true friend of Israel and the Jewish people, unafraid to speak the truth and confront hate. Israel will always stand with the Jewish community and our allies worldwide.”
Mr Chikli added,
“Together with friends like Tommy Robinson, we will build stronger bridges of solidarity, fight terror, and defend Western civilisation and our shared values.”
Israeli leader’s views on Keir Starmer’s role in the Manchester attack
Amichai Chikli has voiced criticism of Labour’s handling of antisemitism and the UK’s recognition of Palestine with other Western nations.
Senior Israeli leaders claimed that the Labour government under Sir Keir Starmer was partly responsible for the Manchester synagogue attack.
Gideon Sa’ar slammed the British government for failing to address “rampant antisemitic and anti-Israeli incitement” and urged a change in approach.
Manchester synagogue attack
On October 3, 2025, a terrorist attacked people outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester on Yom Kippur. Two men were killed, one accidentally by police, and three others were seriously injured.
The attacker, Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, a British citizen of Syrian descent, was shot dead by police. Authorities believe he was influenced by extreme Islamist ideology.
Key facts about the Unite the Kingdom rally
On September 13, 2025, the Unite the Kingdom rally drew 110,000–150,000 attendees protesting immigration and government policies. Tommy Robinson led the event, with speakers including Elon Musk (via video), Ant Middleton, Éric Zemmour, Ben Habib, and Katie Hopkins.
Protesters chanted “Stop the Boats” and “Send Them Home” while waving St. George’s Cross and Union Jack flags. The rally saw 26 police officers injured and 23–25 arrests.