Far-Right Figures Gather in Israel for National Conservatism 2026

A National Conservatism (NatCon) conference beginning today in Jerusalem has drawn far-right figures from the US, Israel, and Europe, sparking controversy over their controversial views and affiliations. The event advertises a talk from the Trump administration’s anti-terrorism czar alongside speeches from far-right Israeli politicians, European figures who have faced disciplinary action over alleged antisemitism, and Christian nationalist and far-right figures from the United States.

Controversial Attendees and Agenda

The Jerusalem event is perhaps the most significant recent gathering to feature large contingents of Israeli nationalists alongside Christian nationalists and far-right European nationalists from a milieu sometimes shadowed by accusations of antisemitism. Sebastian Gorka, a senior White House official whose May anti-terrorism strategy promised to target and neutralise groups “whose ideology is anti-American, radically pro-transgender, and anarchist”, was scheduled to speak at the Jerusalem event, and his presence is still advertised on the website.

However, when the Guardian contacted the White House for comment on Gorka’s attendance at the conference, a spokesperson advised that he would no longer be attending due to a scheduling conflict, and that he had condemned Hamas’s 7 October attack on Israel.

From Israel, the program lists Bezalel Smotrich, the finance minister, self-declared “fascist homophobe” and internationally sanctioned extremist, and Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, who in 2023 called for an atom bomb to be dropped on Gaza and was earlier sanctioned by the US for his role in settler violence.

Key Takeaways from the Conference

• Prominent far-right figures from multiple countries are participating.
• The event highlights the growing alliance between Israeli nationalists and Western far-right groups.
• Controversial speakers have faced sanctions and accusations of extremism.
• Sebastian Gorka’s withdrawal raises questions about the conference’s optics.

Comparison of Attendees and Their Controversies

Implications and Reactions

The gathering underscores the transnational ties among far-right movements and their shared ideologies. Critics argue that such conferences normalize extremism and antisemitism, while supporters claim they foster nationalist solidarity. The presence of sanctioned individuals and those with histories of inflammatory remarks has drawn condemnation from various quarters.

As the conference proceeds, the absence of key figures like Gorka may slightly alter the dynamics, but the core agenda remains focused on promoting national conservatism and far-right ideals. The event is likely to continue generating debate about the intersection of nationalism, religion, and extremism in contemporary politics.

FAQ