Tommy Robinson Sees Reform UK Rising

In a bold address in Tel Aviv, British campaigner Tommy Robinson declared he believes Reform UK is poised to win Britain’s next general election even as he cast doubt on its leader’s allegiance to Israel.

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley‑Lennon, has long been associated with anti‑immigration and anti‑Islam protests in Britain. Speaking before a packed audience in Tel Aviv, he predicted a Reform UK victory in the election expected by 2029, saying: “I think Reform will win the next election.”

Yet despite his prediction, he reserved sharp criticism for Nigel Farage, the party’s prominent figure. Robinson told the audience that while Farage may be “the best we have,” he believed the leader would go “whichever way the wind flows” unless pushed by public sentiment.

Robinson’s concern centres on Farage’s approach to Israel and to Britain’s Muslim community. He alluded to past remarks by Farage advising not to alienate the Muslim community, saying: “How do you not alienate the Islamic community? You’re going to have to throw the Jews under the bus.”

In his Tel Aviv speech, Robinson also addressed Israel directly, saying that like “every single Western nation”, it was being “flooded with migration”, referring to asylum seekers from Sudan and Eritrea in Israel. He criticised Britain’s recent recognition of the State of Palestine and positioned himself as an admirer of Israel while standing in front of Union Jack and Israeli flags.

The event drew over 1,000 attendees and featured moments of cheers and chants of “Tommy, Tommy Robinson.” However, the gathering also sparked controversy: a man who shouted “Tommy Robinson is a racist!” was reportedly assaulted by attendees as he was removed from the venue.

Critics, including the Board of Deputies of British Jews, sharply condemned Israel’s decision to host Robinson, calling him “a thug who represents the very worst of Britain.” Robinson dismissed the criticism, accused the board of not representing British Jews, and described himself as a journalist who supports Israel.

The backdrop of this speech includes a September rally in London organised by Robinson that drew more than 100,000 supporters with strong anti‐immigration messages. Also looming is his trial in Britain, where he is accused of refusing to hand over his phone PIN under counter‑terrorism laws; Robinson has called the case “state persecution” and claimed support from billionaire Elon Musk for his defence.

This development raises important questions for those following the UK political scene and Israel’s relationship with international political actors. For Israel’s friends abroad, the question of whether Reform UK – under Farage’s leadership or otherwise – would truly act as a strong ally is now laid bare. Robinson’s forecast of a Reform victory brings attention not just to domestic British politics, but to the shifting dynamics of Israel’s global partnerships.

As Israel continues to cultivate relationships with like‑minded international figures, the invitation extended to Tommy Robinson by Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli has sparked debate over where Israel draws the line between genuine friendship and tactical alliances.

Whether Reform UK will indeed ascend to power, and how it will position Israel in its foreign policy, remains to be seen. In the meantime, Israel’s supporters would do well to watch these developments closely as part of the broader story of Israel’s place in international politics.

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