Austria-Israel Relations: Exploring Diplomatic Support

Austria and Israel have a complex relationship that has evolved over time. The two countries have a history of diplomatic relations dating back to 1956, and Austria was one of the first countries to recognize the State of Israel in 1949. Despite periods of tension, such as during the Waldheim affair in the 1980s and the Freedom Party's participation in the Austrian government in 2000, the two countries have generally maintained close ties. In recent years, Austria has taken a strong stance against anti-Semitism and has expressed solidarity with Israel in the face of attacks by Hamas and other terrorist organizations. Economic relations between the two countries have also expanded significantly, with Austria's exports to Israel increasing by 50% between 2018 and 2022. However, the relationship is not without its complexities, and Austria has also expressed support for a two-state solution in the Middle East peace process, establishing early relations with the Palestinians.

Austria's support for Israel's right to exist

Austria has a history of supporting Israel's right to exist, although the relationship between the two countries has been complex and often fraught.

Austria recognised Israel in 1949, shortly after its founding, and established diplomatic relations in 1956. The two countries have since developed a close partnership, with Austria supporting Israel's legitimate security interests and shared concerns over remembrance of the Holocaust, restitution, and compensation for Austrian Holocaust survivors. In 2022, the countries concluded a Strategic Partnership to deepen their bilateral relations.

Austria has taken a firm stance against any questioning of Israel's right to exist and has condemned anti-Semitism. In 2023, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer expressed solidarity with Israel following the Hamas attacks, referring to a joint struggle against terrorism. Austria also voted against a resolution for a ceasefire in the 2023 Israel-Hamas War, standing alongside Israel despite pressure from other countries.

However, the relationship has also been strained at times, particularly due to the presence of far-right parties in Austrian politics, including the Freedom Party (FPÖ), which has a history of trafficking in antisemitic tropes. In 2000, Israel recalled its ambassador when the FPÖ joined the coalition government. Despite this, relations improved under Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, who visited Jerusalem in 2018 and pledged to combat antisemitism in Europe.

Austria's condemnation of Hamas

Austria has a history of supporting Israel, and this support has strengthened in recent years. In 2023, Austria voted against a UN resolution that called for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid for Palestinians, which some saw as a vote of support for Israel. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer defended the decision, stating that Austria could not support a resolution that did not include a condemnation of Hamas' actions. He stressed that Austria has always advocated for a balanced position in the Middle East conflict and emphasised the importance of treating both sides of the conflict fairly.

In addition to its diplomatic stance, Austria has also taken steps to demonstrate its condemnation of Hamas and support for Israel. In 2021, after Hamas fired rockets into Israel, then-Chancellor Sebastian Kurz had the Israeli flag hoisted above his office and the foreign ministry. Austria has also established early diplomatic relations with Israel, dating back to 1956, and concluded a Strategic Partnership in 2022 to deepen bilateral relations.

Austria's support for Israel and condemnation of Hamas can be further understood in the context of its efforts to reckon with its World War II history and combat antisemitism. Austria, as the homeland of Adolf Hitler and the birthplace of many Nazi henchmen, has sought to project neutrality on the world stage in the postwar era. However, in recent years, it has moved closer to Israel, driven by a quest for historic redemption and economic opportunities. This shift became more pronounced when then-Chancellor Kurz formed a government with the Freedom Party, which has a history of trafficking in antisemitic tropes. Kurz worked to reassure Israel and the international community that Austria was not reverting to its old ways, and his efforts were met with appreciation by Israeli leaders.

Austria's stance against antisemitism

Austria has taken several steps to combat antisemitism and promote Jewish life in the country. In 2018, under the Austrian EU Council Presidency, the country adopted a National Strategy against Antisemitism (NAS), which includes a commitment to combating antisemitism and protecting Jewish communities in Europe. Austria was the first EU Member State to present such a strategy, which was developed with input from relevant federal ministries, the Jewish Community of Vienna, and various civil society institutions. The strategy covers various areas, including education, research, security, justice, integration, and civil society, and consists of 38 measures to prevent and combat all forms of antisemitism. As of 2023, 28 out of 38 measures have been successfully implemented, with 10 more currently being implemented or prepared.

In addition to the NAS, Austria has also developed the Package of Measures against Antisemitism and Antisemitic Disinformation in the Digital Sphere (MAO) to address the growing spread of antisemitism and antisemitic disinformation online. The MAO includes measures such as intensifying cooperation with online platforms and supporting and networking actors active in the fight against online antisemitism.

Austria has also shown solidarity with Israel in the face of Hamas attacks and has supported the peace agreements between Israel and its neighbours, such as the 1979 peace agreement with Egypt and the 1994 peace treaty with Jordan.

However, it is important to note that antisemitism still exists in Austria, and there have been reports of antisemitic incidents and rhetoric in the country. Austria's far-right Freedom Party, founded by SS veterans, has a history of trafficking in antisemitic tropes, and the country has seen a sharp uptick in antisemitic incidents in recent years, including vandalism of Jewish graves, monuments, and synagogues.

Austria's economic relations with Israel

Austria and Israel have enjoyed diplomatic relations since 1949, and economic relations between the two countries have been significantly expanded as political relations have intensified. Between 2018 and 2022, Austrian exports to Israel increased by 50%. In 2023, Austria's total exports to Israel amounted to 540 million euros, while imports from Israel totalled 339 million euros. Pharmaceutical products were the largest asset in trade with Israel, but machinery, vehicles and special instruments were also traded.

Israeli tourists were responsible for one million overnight stays in Austria in 2023, putting Israel in 14th place in Austrian tourist statistics, which is remarkable considering Israel's small size.

In 2022, Austria and Israel concluded a Strategic Partnership to further deepen their bilateral relations. In 2023, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer visited Israel to express solidarity and support following a Hamas-led attack.

Austria's support for a two-state solution

Austria has a history of supporting Israel, and the two countries have developed a close partnership since establishing diplomatic relations in 1956. This partnership covers a broad spectrum, from political exchange to economic, scientific, and cultural relations. Austria has supported peace agreements between Israel and its neighbours, including the 1979 peace agreement with Egypt, the first between Israel and an Arab state, and the 1994 peace treaty with Jordan.

However, Austria has also sought to maintain friendly relations with the Palestinians and has expressed support for a two-state solution in the Middle East Peace Process. In 1980, Austria bilaterally accredited the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) mission to the international organizations in Vienna. In 1998, Austria opened a Representative Office in Ramallah. While Austria does not recognize Palestine as a state bilaterally, it has established early relations with the Palestinians and supports a negotiated two-state solution.

In recent years, Austria has taken a more prominent role in supporting Israel, particularly within the European Union. In 2023, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg announced that Austria had entered into a "strategic, extremely close relationship with Israel" that cannot be undone. This stance was further emphasised by Austria's solidarity with Israel during the 2023 Hamas attacks and its opposition to a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas War.

While Austria's support for Israel has been a consistent feature of its foreign policy, its endorsement of a two-state solution reflects a more nuanced approach that acknowledges the interests and rights of both Israelis and Palestinians.

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