Israeli Minister Amichai Chikli Holds Historic Talks with Austrian FPÖ Leaders in Vienna
Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli held landmark meetings in Vienna with senior Austrian Freedom Party officials, breaking a decades-long boycott following the party's formal adoption of the IHRA antisemitism definition.
Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli met in Vienna with senior figures of Austria's right-wing Freedom Party (FPÖ), marking the first such encounter between an Israeli cabinet minister and representatives of the party, which has historically faced an official boycott by Israel. The visit follows a landmark speech delivered in September by FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl, in which he formally apologized for his party's past, adopted the IHRA definition of antisemitism, and endorsed relocating the Austrian embassy to Jerusalem.
During his visit, Minister Chikli held talks with Walter Rosenkranz, the FPÖ president of the Austrian parliament, alongside MEP Harald Vilimsky, Likud Knesset Member Ariel Kallner, and Vienna Jewish Community President Elie Rosen. The officials also toured the Austrian parliament building. Chikli noted that the meeting represents the culmination of a two-year diplomatic outreach effort aimed at building trust with European sovereignist and nationalist parties, drawing parallels to his prior engagements with Spain's Vox and France's National Rally (RN).
The discussions focused on expanding Holocaust education within the Austrian school system and advancing joint initiatives to combat antisemitism. Chikli emphasized the shared values of nationalism, community, and family as the foundation for cooperation, while Vilimsky praised the Israeli minister's strategic vision. Chikli coordinated the visit with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and met with Israeli Ambassador to Austria David Roet. Later in the day, Chikli attended a Kristallnacht commemoration ceremony in Graz alongside FPÖ representatives.
