"I wish there were more leaders like Netanyahu": Geert Wilders on Europe

The leader of the Dutch right, Geert Wilders, addresses the threats facing Europe and Israel, expresses firm support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and warns sharply against the strengthening of Islam on the continent. In an interview he gave to Channel 14, the politician, who in the past was dubbed "the Dutch Trump" and "the Muslims' biggest nightmare," laid out his well-known political and security doctrine.

In response to the labels attached to him over the years, Wilders clarified that he is fighting for freedom and security. "To achieve this, social cohesion is needed," he explained. "This cohesion is completely impossible if Islam becomes a central factor in society, because by its nature, Islam is an ideology that does not seek to integrate, but to dominate. The meaning of the word 'Islam' itself is submission."

Wilders did not spare criticism of the continent where he lives regarding the security of Jewish communities, and stated firmly that Europe has failed to protect them. "Antisemitism in Europe is on a constant rise," he warned, pointing to a direct link, in his claim, between immigration policy and the intensification of the phenomenon. "There is a close connection between immigration and the flow of Islam into our society and antisemitism. Although there are also antisemites who are not Muslim, every time a country opens its borders and Islam in it strengthens – antisemitism spikes dramatically."

Further in his remarks to Channel 14, the Dutch leader addressed his relationship with the Prime Minister of Israel, and showered him with praise:

"I have great respect for him. He has done more to fight Islamic jihadism than all the leaders of Europe combined have done in the last decade. Of course, no one is perfect, but I wish we had more leaders like Benjamin Netanyahu in Europe. Today, unfortunately, we do not have anyone like that."

Towards the end of the interview, Wilders also addressed the growing tension in the Middle East and warned against the danger of the strengthening of the Ayatollah regime, which he says constitutes a threat that goes far beyond Israel's borders. "Iran is undoubtedly one of the greatest threats – not only to Israel, but geopolitically to the entire region and also to Europe," the Dutch leader emphasized. "Their missiles are capable of reaching European countries already today. This is a country that must under no circumstances be allowed to possess nuclear capabilities."