Israel’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism has published a new report detailing the “significant penetration” of extremist ideology into terrorist organizations seeking to target Jewish communities in Europe.
The findings reveal an extensive European network of groups linked to the Muslim Brotherhood and to terrorist entities across Austria, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
The report, which outlines the scope of the Brotherhood’s activity, the degree of its influence on local bodies, and the risks the ties create, noted that extremist rhetoric is echoed widely across affiliated bodies.
“Many of these groups maintain direct or indirect connections to terrorist organizations, especially Hamas,” the investigation emphasized.
The report says intelligence services and Western European governments are aware of the dangers posed by the Brotherhood, and that they largely view the network as “inherently anti-democratic.”
Israel noted that despite firsthand information, governments and European institutions continue official dialogue and cooperation with some of the controversial bodies.
“Those who close their eyes today will pay tomorrow—with the security of their citizens and with Jewish lives,” said Amichai Chikli, Minister for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism.
Urging Europe to “wake up,” Chikli declared that the Muslim Brotherhood is not a civil society movement, but “a conduit for extremism and terror” in the heart of the continent.
Avi Cohen-Scali, Director General of the Ministry, said the Brotherhood operates in Europe through “deceptive methods that project an outward appearance of moderation and pragmatism.”
Cohen-Scali added that although it claims moderation, the movement rejects liberal democratic principles and Western values, “which conflict with its radical aspirations—including efforts to Islamize Europe.”
Last November, President Donald Trump designated chapters and subdivisions of the Muslim Brotherhood in three countries as foreign terrorist organizations and specially designated global terrorists.
Israel warns Europe about penetration of extremist ideology
