Israeli Consultants Linked to Romanian Nationalist Party Campaign
Israeli advisors Yonatan Urich and Israel Einhorn allegedly drafted campaign messages for Romania's nationalist AUR party, according to a recent investigative report.
Israeli Consultants Linked to Romanian Nationalist Party
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's advisor Yonatan Urich and strategic consultant Israel Einhorn reportedly drafted campaign messages this year for the Romanian nationalist party AUR (Alliance for the Union of Romanians). According to an investigation published by the Romanian website Snoop.ro, based on leaked WhatsApp chats, both figures discussed the media strategy for the party and its leader, George Simion, in August and September. Simion is known as an admirer of US President Donald Trump and a supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The investigation indicates that Urich and Einhorn discussed Romanian politics, explored a potential meeting with Simion, and formulated messaging used in official party statements. Some of these messages targeted Romanian President Nicușor Dan, who defeated Simion in a direct runoff for the presidency—an election marred by court annulments over concerns of foreign interference. AUR representatives denied employing Urich and Einhorn, acknowledging only that they received a cooperation offer from the Israeli side.
Character and Ideology of AUR
The AUR party, founded in 2019, is a right-wing populist movement that has grown to become the second-largest party in both houses of the Romanian parliament. While the party advocates for family values, Romanian nationalism, and Christian faith, it has faced criticism over historical controversies. Some members previously downplayed the Holocaust, drawing sharp rebukes from Yad Vashem, though Simion has since expressed regret and met with Israeli representatives.
"The investigation raises questions about transparency and whether there is any connection between their work in Eastern Europe and their official duties in Israel," noted regional analysts following the leaked correspondence.
In August 2023, then-Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and local officials engaged with Simion, sparking debate among Jewish organizations regarding diplomatic engagement with far-right political factions abroad.
