Standing Firm on Israel: Pauline Hanson’s Rising Influence in Australia
As One Nation rockets to 20% in the polls, Pauline Hanson is cementing her role as Australia’s most vocal defender of Israel and the Jewish community. From defying Senate rules with an Israeli-flag scarf to demanding the IHRA definition of antisemitism, Hanson’s "no-ambiguity" approach is resonating with voters nationwide.
Pauline Hanson, leader of One Nation, has consistently positioned herself and her party as a clear and vocal supporter of both the Jewish community in Australia and the State of Israel. Her public statements, parliamentary actions, and policy positions have repeatedly centred on themes of security, opposition to antisemitism, and unwavering alignment with Israel.
In public commentary, Hanson has emphasised the right of Jewish Australians to live free from fear and discrimination. She has stated: “I stand with Australia’s Jewish community… you have the same right to live in peace and harmony as all Australians.” She has also spoken directly about safety concerns, saying: “I am standing up for the Jewish people in this country… I fear for the Jewish people.” These remarks are not abstract, they speak to real and growing concerns, and they are delivered with a level of clarity that cuts through.
At a policy level, Hanson has backed formal recognition of antisemitism, including support for parliamentary motions referencing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition. This reflects a willingness to move beyond rhetoric and support practical frameworks aimed at identifying and addressing antisemitic conduct.
A defining moment came in May 2024, when Hanson wore an Israeli-flag scarf in the Senate as a visible act of solidarity. The scarf was ruled “unparliamentary” and she was asked to remove it. Hanson made it clear this was deliberate - she was “standing up for the Jewish people” and calling attention to what she described as rising antisemitism and inconsistency in how political symbols are treated in parliament. For many observers, this was not just symbolism, it was a statement of intent.
Beyond that moment, Hanson has maintained a consistent and unapologetic alignment with Israel, including criticism of Australian governments when she believes they have failed to show sufficient support. She has stated it is “quite evident” when leadership “does not support the Israel people.” That consistency, over time, has reinforced her position as a predictable and reliable voice on these issues.
At the same time, her broader political message is gaining traction. Recent polling in early 2026 has shown One Nation polling strongly, in some cases above 20%, with certain surveys indicating even higher peaks. This marks a significant shift from historical levels and reflects a growing appetite among voters for clearer, more direct political messaging. The party’s support is not isolated, with gains evident across multiple states, including Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia. In the 2026 South Australian election, One Nation translated this momentum into tangible results, securing seats and recording vote shares exceeding 20%.
From my perspective as a Jewish Australian, Hanson’s voice clearly resonates. At a time when concerns about antisemitism are increasingly front of mind, her willingness to speak plainly, act visibly, and maintain a consistent position carries weight. It is not just what she says, but the fact that she continues to say it, without ambiguity or retreat, that stands out.
Taken together, Hanson’s statements, policy positions, and actions, including the Israeli scarf incident, reflect a sustained emphasis on security for Jewish Australians, recognition of rising antisemitism, and support for Israel. From my perspective, that clarity and consistency make her a compelling and credible voice on issues that directly impact the Jewish community.