Israel in Austria | Israelis in Vienna | Bilateral Relations - Vindobona.org

Austria's Historical Responsibility: 30 Years of the National Fund and the Promise of “Never Forget”

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the National Fund of the Republic of Austria for Victims of National Socialism, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen reaffirmed the country's ongoing responsibility for Nazi crimes. The federal government and the Jewish Community of Vienna (IKG) are also intensifying their joint fight against anti-Semitism in view of the alarmingly high number of incidents.

November 11, 2025

Former President Fischer Calls for Recognition of Palestine and Criticizes Israel's Warfare

Former Austrian President Heinz Fischer's recent comments on Middle East policy and Austria's role in the world have once again caused a stir in Austrian politics and diplomacy. In conversations with several media outlets, the long-standing SPÖ politician not only called on the federal government to demonstrate its neutrality more strongly, but also urged a change of course in Middle East policy: Austria should recognize the state of Palestine, thereby causing a diplomatic scandal.

November 7, 2025

DSN Uncovers Hamas Weapons Cache in Vienna

The Directorate for State Security and Intelligence (DSN) has dealt a significant blow to a global terrorist organization with ties to Hamas as part of internationally coordinated investigations: a weapons cache was uncovered in Vienna. There is a strong suspicion that the weapons were intended for use in planned terrorist attacks in Europe against Israeli or Jewish institutions.

November 7, 2025

Stocker and Weißmann in Favor of Israel's Participation in the Song Contest

The question of Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2026 in Vienna continues to cause international controversy and political debate. Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker and ORF Director General Roland Weißmann have now spoken out clearly and unequivocally in favor of Israel's participation, citing Austria's historical responsibility.

October 29, 2025

Naturalizations in Austria on the Rise: Majority of New Citizens Live Abroad

The granting of Austrian citizenship increased significantly in the first half of 2025. A total of 11,665 people received a red-white-red passport, which, according to Statistics Austria, represents an increase of 5.6 percent over the previous year. What is striking about this development is that more than a third of the new citizens—exactly 4,369 people—are resident abroad.

September 29, 2025

80th Anniversary of the UN: Diplomatic Week in New York with Austria's President

This week, New York is the center of international diplomacy, where around 150 heads of state and government are meeting for the United Nations (UN) General Debate. This year's assembly is dominated by the 80th anniversary of the UN and the urgent call for reform. Austria is represented by President Alexander Van der Bellen, Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker, and Meinl-Reisinger.

September 22, 2025

Diplomatic Appeal on Gaza: Meinl-Reisinger Rejects Sanctions

An open letter from 26 high-ranking Austrian diplomats, including former Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner and her predecessor Peter Jankowitsch, has sparked a heated debate about Austria's Gaza policy. The diplomats are calling for tougher action against Israel, but Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) is sticking to the government's current line and rejecting sanctions.

August 28, 2025

Nuclear Talks in the Shadow of Tensions: Iran and the E3 Struggle for Nuclear Agreement

Nuclear talks between Iran, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom took place in Istanbul, aimed at finding a solution to the controversial Iranian nuclear program. Although no concrete results have been announced yet, the talks are set to continue.

July 28, 2025

AUA Resumes Flights to Tel Aviv in August

Austrian Airlines (AUA) will resume flights to the Israeli metropolis of Tel Aviv on August 1. The Lufthansa subsidiary announced this decision following a “thorough security assessment.”

July 25, 2025

Austria's Clear Stance on Gaza: Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger Defends Call for Ceasefire

Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) has reiterated her support for a joint statement by 28 countries calling for an immediate end to the war in the Gaza Strip, declaring it to be “clear government policy.”

July 23, 2025

Vienna Airport Defies Global Challenges with Strong Half-Year Results

Vienna International Airport (VIE) experienced solid passenger growth in the first half of 2025, despite a slight decline in June, attributed to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. A total of 14.7 million passengers traveled through Vienna Airport between January and June, representing a 2.4 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

July 15, 2025

Vienna Trilogue on the Future of the Middle East Launched: Vienna Becomes Hub for Peace Efforts

In a significant diplomatic move, Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger welcomed her counterparts from Germany, Johann Wadephul, and Israel, Gideon Sa'ar, for groundbreaking talks on the future of the Middle East. The meeting, which serves as the kick-off for a now regular “Vienna Trilogue,” focused on urgent efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian aid for the Palestinian civilian population, and Iran's nuclear program.

July 10, 2025

Austria's Meinl-Reisinger Intensifies Middle East Diplomacy and Calls for De-Escalation and Two-State Solution

Austria has ramped up its diplomatic efforts in the Middle East over the last few days, while also massively increasing its humanitarian support for the suffering civilian population in Gaza. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) completed a trip lasting several days that took her to Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, and Ramallah in the Palestinian territories to promote de-escalation, a ceasefire, and a sustainable two-state solution.

July 3, 2025

Iran Suspends Cooperation with IAEA: Escalation in Nuclear Dispute after Israel War

Iran has officially suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). President Massoud Peseshkian enacted a law to that effect, which the Iranian parliament had already passed in June. This decision exacerbates the already tense nuclear dispute and follows a 12-day war between Israel and Iran, which ended with a ceasefire.

July 2, 2025

Iran Threatens to Suspend Cooperation with IAEA: Escalation in Nuclear Dispute Feared

The Iranian parliament has passed a bill that would suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). If the Guardian Council and the Security Council approve the bill, it would further escalate the already tense nuclear dispute and significantly hamper international efforts to ensure transparency in Iran's nuclear program.

June 25, 2025

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Points Urgent Appeal for Gaza

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and Austrian UN diplomat, Volker Türk, has urged governments worldwide to take action to end the “unbearable suffering” of the people in the Gaza Strip. At the start of the 59th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Türk emphasized that “everyone who bears governmental responsibility must wake up and see what is happening in Gaza.”

June 18, 2025

Steve Witkoff: From Real Estate Mogul to US Envoy to the Middle East

Steve Witkoff, US special envoy to the Middle East, has played a crucial role in brokering the Gaza ceasefire and peace talks on Ukraine, while also negotiating with Russia on Ukraine's future. Steve Witkoff, a lawyer and developer, has a strong bond with President Trump, dating back nearly four decades.

March 23, 2025

UN High Commissioner Volker Türk: Israel's Settlement Construction in the West Bank Condemned as a War Crime

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has sharply criticized Israel for accelerating settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territories and described it as a war crime. A recent report by his office documents numerous violations of international law by Israel. “The transfer of parts of its civilian population into the territory occupied by Israel is tantamount to a war crime,” explained Türk.

March 18, 2025

EU Foreign Affairs Council: Schallenberg Addresses Ukraine and Global Challenges

Austrian Chancellor and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg joined his EU counterparts at the EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss pressing geopolitical issues, reaffirming solidarity with Ukraine, assessing developments in the Middle East, and reviewing strategies for stability in Syria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

February 24, 2025

AUA to Fly to Tel Aviv Again from February

After a longer break, Austrian Airlines (AUA) will resume flight operations to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv from February 1, 2025. This decision was announced in a company press release on Thursday and affects the entire Lufthansa Group, which includes Lufthansa, Swiss, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings in addition to AUA. The resumption of flights to Tel Aviv signals a certain easing of the security situation in the region but remains characterized by caution.

January 21, 2025

Austria's Schallenberg Calls for New EU Course in Syria and Criticizes Israeli Occupation

Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) is calling for a more pragmatic approach from European foreign policy in dealing with Syria and is positioning himself on the side of international law with his criticism of Israel's occupation of the Golan Heights. His demands have met with mixed reactions within the EU, but also raise fundamental questions about Europe's role in the region. Whether this course will endure remains uncertain given Austria's often cautious foreign policy.

December 18, 2024

Jewish Museum Vienna Kicks Off Anniversary Year with Gala in New York

A special gala dinner was held in the elegant rooms of Christie's New York to mark the start of the 130th anniversary year of the Jewish Museum Vienna. This exclusive event brought together important personalities from the worlds of culture, business, and diplomacy and paid tribute to the historical significance of the world's first Jewish museum, which opened in Vienna in 1895.

December 3, 2024

Arrest Warrants Against Netanyahu and Gallant: Austria Sharply Criticizes ICC Decision

The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip. This decision has sparked fierce international debate and provoked harsh criticism - including from Austria. The Austrian Foreign Ministry published a clear statement describing the arrest warrants as “incomprehensible and incomprehensible”.

November 24, 2024

Austrian Airlines Extends Flight Stop to Tel Aviv and Tehran

The tense security situation in the Middle East is having an impact on international air traffic. Austrian Airlines (AUA) is reacting to the current situation and is further suspending its flights to Tel Aviv and Tehran.

November 11, 2024

Anti-Semitism in Austria: IKG Records Dramatic Increase in Anti-Semitic Incidents

The Jewish Community Vienna (IKG) warns of a worrying increase in anti-Semitic incidents in Austria. In the first half of 2024, the IKG's anti-Semitism reporting office registered a total of 808 anti-Semitic attacks and threats - an increase of around 160 percent compared to the previous year.

October 30, 2024

AUA Flights to Tel Aviv and Tehran Remain Suspended Due to Escalating Tensions

Austrian Airlines (AUA) is extending the suspension of flights to Tel Aviv and Tehran due to the uncertain situation in the Middle East. Connections to the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv are expected to remain suspended until November 25, while flights to Tehran will be canceled until the end of November.

October 28, 2024

Austria's State Security: Increasing Threat of Terrorism in Europe Since the Hamas Attack

In the last twelve months, the threat of planned terrorist attacks in Europe has increased significantly. The Directorate of State Security and Intelligence (DSN) reported a fivefold increase in the number of detected attack plans since 7 October 2023, when the Islamist terrorist organization Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel. This development underlines the increasing security threat in Europe, particularly concerning geopolitical tensions.

October 23, 2024

Austria Strengthens Partnership With Yad Vashem in the Fight Against Anti-Semitism

Dani Dayan, Chairman of the Jerusalem Holocaust Memorial Yad Vashem, visited Vienna to strengthen the close partnership between Israel and Austria. Dayan met with both Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Both emphasized the importance of continued cooperation in the fight against anti-Semitism and in preserving the memory of the Shoah.

October 20, 2024

Austrian Defence Minister Tanner and European Consensus on Continuation of UNIFIL Mission in Lebanon

The UNIFIL mission in Lebanon, which has been in operation since 1978, is to continue despite increasing attacks. The European troop contributors reaffirm their support to ensure stability and humanitarian aid.

October 16, 2024

Austria Excludes Solo Withdrawal from UNIFIL Mission in Lebanon

The escalation in southern Lebanon poses a significant threat to stability in the region, with UNIFIL continuing to attempt to maintain its security and observation mission despite the ongoing attacks. Austria's Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner has ruled out a withdrawal of Austrian blue helmets in Lebanon on her own.

October 15, 2024

Austrian Airlines Extends Flight Suspension to Tehran and Tel Aviv

Due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Austrian Airlines (AUA) has decided to suspend flights to Tehran and Tel Aviv until at least the end of October.

October 15, 2024

Palestine Congress in Vienna Causes Controversy and Criticism

The Palestine Congress, which had already caused a great deal of controversy in the run-up to the event, was moved at short notice from Vienna-Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus to Favoriten. The event will take place in a hall in Kudlichgasse shortly before the anniversary of the devastating Hamas attack on Israel.

October 5, 2024

Diplomatic Tensions Rise as Iran Summons Austrian Ambassador Over Hezbollah Dispute

In a new diplomatic development, the Iranian government summoned the Austrian Ambassador to Tehran, Wolf Dietrich Heim, to the Iranian Foreign Ministry. This move comes in direct response to Austria's earlier summoning of the Iranian Ambassador to Vienna, Abbas Bagherpour Ardekani, following his controversial social media post that included symbols of the Hezbollah militia, which is banned in Austria.

August 28, 2024

Outrage About Tweet by Iranian Ambassador in Vienna: Call for Summons

A social media posting by the Iranian ambassador in Vienna, Abbas Bagherpour Ardekani, has caused a considerable political stir. In addition to calls for the Iranian ambassador to be summoned, there have also been calls for further diplomatic consequences.

August 25, 2024

Austria Supports International Call for Ceasefire in Gaza Conflict

In an urgent joint statement, the USA, Great Britain, Germany, and numerous other countries, including Austria, have called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza conflict.

June 6, 2024

Escalating Tensions: EU Responds to Iranian Missile Strikes on Israel

Tensions in the Middle East have further escalated following the recent Iranian drone and missile attacks on Israel, prompting an international response, particularly from the European Union. An urgently convened virtual meeting of EU foreign ministers, including Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, took place to discuss the situation and possible steps to be taken.

April 17, 2024

Small Unrest During EU Parliament President Metsola's Visit to Vienna

The Austrian capital was the scene of a heated appearance by EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola. During a public event at the Law Faculty of the University of Vienna, which was held under the motto "Ask President Metsola", there were loud protests and interruptions by demonstrators. The discussion, which was originally supposed to cover topics such as the future of the EU, the upcoming European elections, and international political affairs, lost focus when the Middle East conflict came up.

March 20, 2024

Austria President Van der Bellen Opens New Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam

The National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam was opened in a festive ceremony that was overshadowed by protests. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, who represented Austria on this occasion, emphasized his country's profound responsibility in the context of the dark chapters of the Holocaust.

March 11, 2024

Austrian Diplomacy in Crossfire: Schallenberg's Journey Through the Middle East

In the shadow of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which reached a new level of escalation following the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2024, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg embarked on a significant diplomatic mission. His trip, which lasted three days, took him through Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan, and finally Lebanon - all hotspots in a region marked by political tensions and humanitarian crises.

March 4, 2024

Controversy Over FPÖ Candidacy for Yad Vashem Board Shakes Jewish Communities

The nomination of Wels Mayor Andreas Rabl of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) for a position on the board of the "Austrian Friends of Yad Vashem" has triggered a broad wave of outrage and criticism that reaches far beyond Austria's borders. Rabl's candidacy, known for his affiliation with a party that is often criticized for its extreme right-wing tendencies, was met with staunch opposition from renowned institutions and personalities.

February 22, 2024

Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Thanks Descendants of Nazi Expellees for Regaining Austrian Citizenship

Together with the President of the Jewish Community Vienna, Oskar Deutsch, the Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg presented the new publication "Wir und Österreich - Austria and us". This moving publication tells the stories of 15 descendants of victims of National Socialism who share their memories, feelings, hopes, and expectations in connection with regaining Austrian citizenship.

February 4, 2024

Austria Suspends Payments to UNRWA After Allegations of Hamas Involvement

Austria has suspended its payments to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) following serious allegations. It is alleged that employees of the organization may have been involved in a terrorist attack by Hamas on 7 October. The Austrian government is calling for a comprehensive and swift investigation into these allegations by UNRWA and the United Nations. Payments to UNRWA will remain suspended until full clarification and clarity on the consequences.

January 29, 2024

Israel's Ambassador to Vienna, David Roet, on Current Challenges in Austria and the EU

David Roet, Israel's ambassador to Austria, has been actively involved in the public debate since his arrival and is committed to solidarity with Israel.

January 23, 2024

Meet Israel's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna

David Roet, Israel's Ambassador and Permanent Representative, presented his credentials to Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, and the Director-General of the United Nations Office in Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador, David Roet, the permanent representative of the State of Israel to the International Organizations in Vienna and Ambassador to Austria.

January 22, 2024

Austria Considers Entry Ban for Violent Israeli Settlers

In a noteworthy development, Austria is considering a travel ban on violent Israeli settlers, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has announced. This follows moves by the US as well as Germany and France, which are discussing similar measures.

December 27, 2023

Austria's Engagement in Palestine: New Security Measures and Humanitarian Support

Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg set an example for humanitarianism by meeting a group of Austrian-Palestinian dual nationals who were recently evacuated from the Gaza Strip. This meeting, which took place at the Foreign Ministry, allowed the Minister to learn first-hand about the difficult conditions in the Gaza Strip and the challenges of the evacuation operation.

December 14, 2023

Discussion in Austria's Parliament on Security Policy Concerning Ukraine and Israel

In the run-up to the European Council, Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg met in Parliament to discuss current security policy challenges.

December 13, 2023

Israel Raises Travel Warnings: Tightened Security Situation in Austria and Europe

In a significant security measure, Israel's National Security Staff has increased travel warnings for its citizens in several countries, including Austria, Germany, France and the UK. The decision follows growing threats from Iran and its allies, as well as an increase in anti-Semitism worldwide.

December 4, 2023

Solidarity with Israel in the Austrian National Council

In a remarkable session of the Austrian National Council, strong solidarity with Israel and a clear condemnation of Hamas and its terrorist attacks were demonstrated. The unanimous decision of the MPs reflects Austria's stance on the Middle East conflict and the violence in the region.

November 26, 2023

Austria's Engagement in the Middle East: Solidarity with Israel and Support for Palestine

Amid the tense situation in the Middle East, Austria has reaffirmed its solidarity with Israel and at the same time pledged humanitarian aid for the Palestinian civilian population.

November 12, 2023