A National Conservatism (NatCon) conference commenced today in Jerusalem, featuring a range of far-right Israeli politicians, European figures, and Christian nationalist and far-right figures from the United States. The event is described as a significant recent gathering of Israeli nationalists alongside Christian nationalists and far-right European nationalists.
Sebastian Gorka, a former anti-terrorism czar in the Trump administration, was advertised as a speaker. However, the White House informed the Guardian that he would no longer be attending due to a scheduling conflict. Gorka had previously condemned Hamas's 7 October attack on Israel.
Among the listed speakers from Israel are Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who is internationally sanctioned, and Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, who faced disciplinary proceedings for alleged racist incitement. European attendees include Hans-Georg Maaßen, a former head of Germany's domestic intelligence agency, and Austria's Harald Vilimsky, whose party has faced a policy of non-engagement from Israel's government.
The American contingent includes William Wolfe, a self-described Christian nationalist, and Jonathan Keeperman, identified as the publisher behind the far-right internet persona “L0m3z”. High-profile conservatives such as Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts are also expected to share the stage.