An Al Jazeera opinion article published by Amar Desh on August 21, 2026 alleges that Israel, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is seeking to fuel Islamophobia in Western countries to repair its international image. It says Israel is strengthening ties with right-wing political forces in the United States and Europe while portraying itself as a Western shield against what it calls “radical Islam.”

The article cites increased anti-Muslim rhetoric and political campaigning in the United States, including initiatives such as the “Sharia-Free America Caucus,” as well as attacks on mosques. It contrasts the current political climate with former President George W. Bush’s message after the September 11, 2001 attacks that Islam is a religion of peace. It also notes that representatives of European far-right parties attended an Israeli-organized anti-Semitism conference in Jerusalem in January.

According to the analysis, Israel’s public-relations and hasbara campaigns seek to generate fear around Islam and Muslim immigrants, including through alleged influence efforts in Canada. The article says Israel’s image was damaged by the Gaza war and questions whether Islamophobia can restore Western backing, citing growing political participation by Muslim and other minority communities.