As Israel faces ongoing international scrutiny, the question of whether to welcome controversial figures who show support for the country has become increasingly urgent.
Some argue that these visitors help shift the narrative in Israel’s favor, while others warn they risk further alienating potential allies.
The debate centers on how such figures shape Israel’s global image and its struggle to counter negative perceptions. It also underscores the precarious position of Diaspora Jewish communities, often forced to navigate the tension between supporting Israel and distancing themselves from polarizing personalities at home.
Defenders of Israel
Recent visits by American rapper Azealia Banks and actress Patricia Heaton highlight this divide.
Banks made headlines with her sold-out performance in Tel Aviv, but she also faces accusations of racism and xenophobia back home. These claims are fueled by her past posts on X, such as calling One Direction singer Zayn Malik, who is Muslim, a “sandn*gger” and writing that the Arab world is “RAMPANTLY enslaving and degrading Africans behind closed doors.”
Heaton, who starred in the popular 1990s TV sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, is an outspoken supporter of Israel, but she has faced harsh backlash in the US for her conservative political views – being pro-life, supporting the Trump administration, and sharply criticizing mainstream media.
In a video posted on X after the 2020 US elections, Heaton accused the press of “fear-mongering,” saying, “All these extremists who are allowed television time…shame on you.”
Perhaps the most striking example of this dilemma is the recent visit by British activist and former English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson, who was invited to Israel by Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli.
Known for his provocative stance on Islam and immigration – as well as for violent outbursts in his youth – Robinson’s visit to Israel sparked immediate outcry, particularly from British Jews.
During his stay, he toured Kibbutz Be’eri, met Thomas Hand, father of former child hostage Emily Hand, and expressed concern for Israeli civilians affected by the conflict.
Positioning himself as a staunch defender of Israel, Robinson used his social media platforms with millions of followers to denounce what he called biased media coverage and the growing “demonization” of the country.
Outright condemnation
In an interview with The Jerusalem Report, Robinson said his goal was just to “tell the truth” about Israel, which he believes is losing the “propaganda war.”
“They’re losing heavily,” Robinson said, urging Israel to do more to tell its story.
On Israel’s presence in the region, he commented, “It’s the only place in the Middle East where all religions have got equal opportunity. If I’m going to talk about these politics, it would be ignorant for me not to come and ask questions.”
While such a message might resonate with those who see Israel struggling to counter global narratives that cast it as the aggressor, Robinson’s checkered past and current views complicate his support.
Robinson’s visit was, of course, welcomed by many in Israel – and even by some Jews abroad who believe that all expressions of solidarity are valuable; but in Britain, the organized Jewish community outright condemned it.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews reaffirmed its opposition to Robinson’s divisive rhetoric, stating on its website that his record of anti-Muslim provocation made him “an unsuitable ally for any respectable Jewish organization.”
Michael Wegier, the Board’s CEO, told the Report that his main concern was that an Israeli government minister had extended the invitation without consulting prominent Jewish bodies in the UK about the potential fallout.
“If relevant organizations had been asked,” Wegier said, “they would have all recommended against it.”
His criticism underscores the central tension: While some see Robinson’s support as a useful counterweight to anti-Israel sentiment, others warn that it compromises Israel’s long-term credibility by associating with figures who alienate large portions of the international community – whose views of Israel are already in decline.
Recent Pew Research Center data support that concern. In 20 of 24 surveyed countries, at least half of adults have unfavorable views of Israel. In the UK, that figure has climbed from 44% in 2013 to 61% in 2025.
Positive role
Despite the controversy, some argue that figures like Robinson can still play a role in advocating for Israel, particularly in regions where anti-Israel sentiment runs deep.
Political activist and writer Miriam Haart emphasized the importance of understanding Israel firsthand, saying it’s nearly impossible to grasp the country’s reality from afar.
“Looking on the Internet will default to bias and negativity,” she said, adding that alternative strategies that don’t rely on polarizing figures should be found, such as within the entertainment industry.
“Investing in the entertainment industry, like Israel did with Fauda, is a proven way to bring people closer to a culture and understanding of how society works and is perceived in a more positive manner,” she said, referring to the hit TV drama series that shows the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
There’s no denying that visits by high-profile figures shines a spotlight on Israel. Tommy Robinson, Azealia Banks, Patricia Heaton, and Miriam Haart collectively reach millions of followers.
But the question remains: Should Israel embrace every supporter who comes its way, or should it consider an alternative strategy to battle the negative narrative?
Ultimately, Israel’s challenge lies in balancing short-term alliances with long-term values. As global ideological divides deepen, the country must decide whether support from controversial figures strengthens or undermines its broader goals on the world stage.■