Kathmandu— Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government appears to be actively cultivating and exploiting Islamophobic sentiments in Western countries to shore up support amid declining public opinion, according to recent observations and analysis of political strategies. This effort includes hosting far-right European leaders, propagating narratives linking Islam to threats against Western civilization, and conducting targeted influence operations – such as a campaign in Canada falsely claiming Muslim immigrants pose a societal threat – all while attempting to reframe Israel as a key ally in the fight against “radical Islam.” The strategy follows a leaked study suggesting that stoking fear of “Radical Islam” could shift public opinion, and comes as Israel seeks to counter criticism of its actions, particularly regarding Gaza.

The Rise of Anti-Muslim Rhetoric

The whipping up of Islamophobia in the US has become increasingly visible, with some now looking back almost wistfully to the post 9/11 era when President George W Bush made efforts at inclusivity by visiting a mosque and declaring that “Islam is peace.” Such gestures have largely vanished from the Republican Party, replaced by bigotry evidenced by incidents like the shooting at an Islamic Center in San Diego. A recent proposal for foot-washing stations at Dallas Fort Worth airport was abandoned after condemnation from Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who deemed it unconstitutional.

Cultivating Far-Right Alliances

In January, Israel hosted a conference on anti-Semitism attended by leaders from across the European far right, including representatives from Poland, Spain, Hungary, and France. This gathering, described as the largest of its kind since post-war Germany, signaled a deliberate effort to align with these groups in what Netanyahu termed the fight against an “invasion of radical Islam.” He has continued this theme, recently warning that Britain could become an “Islamic republic” and using imagery featuring leaders from Hezbollah, Iran, Turkey, and even New York City in his re-election campaign.

Propaganda and Influence Operations

Israel’s efforts extend beyond domestic rhetoric and international conferences. The country is actively engaged in public relations campaigns aimed at bolstering its reputation – such as automated text messages touting the “stability” of the US-Israel relationship – while simultaneously attempting to discredit critics. A leaked study commissioned by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reportedly identified driving fear of “Radical Islam” and “Jihadism” as an effective tactic for shifting public opinion. This strategy was demonstrably deployed in Canada, where a government-funded operation spread false claims about Muslim immigrants.

A Strategy Facing Resistance

Despite these efforts, the campaign is not without its challenges. Recent primary wins by prominent Muslim congressional candidates demonstrate a rejection of Islamophobic rhetoric in some areas. However, many Muslim communities continue to feel increasingly under siege. While Israel may hope to make Western countries more like itself – prioritizing Jewish supremacy and demographic homogeneity – it remains unclear whether this strategy will ultimately succeed in reversing the loss of support.

While fear and hatred are potent tools, the long-term success of Israel’s campaign to leverage Islamophobia is uncertain. Observers suggest that Western nations should recognize this effort as a desperate foreign influence operation from a state facing increasing isolation.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.