Sweden's Upcoming Election Puts Israel-Palestine Policy in the Spotlight
By Editor • September 8, 2026 • 2 min read
This Sunday, Sweden is poised to make a pivotal decision in its general elections, with the contentious issue of its stance on Israel and Palestine taking center stage. The elections come at a time when public opinions are sharply divided, and the outcome may significantly impact Sweden's foreign policy.
Political Landscape and Historical Context
In 2014, Sweden made headlines by becoming the first EU nation to recognize Palestine, a move that strained its relations with Israel. This historic decision was met with derision by then Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who likened the complexities of Middle Eastern relations to assembling IKEA furniture. Now, as the elections approach, the far-right Sweden Democrats, the second-largest party in the country, are advocating for the revocation of this recognition.
Polling data from Novus released days before the election reveals a slight edge for the left-wing coalition, which garners 50.3% support compared to 47.9% for the right-wing ruling government. The political discourse surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict has deep roots in Swedish history, tracing back to Count Folke Bernadotte’s assassination in 1948.
Far-Right’s Influence on Foreign Policy
The current right-wing coalition, which includes the Moderates, Christian Democrats, and Liberals, has aligned closely with the Sweden Democrats, who have a history of controversial views. Should the Sweden Democrats gain power, they are expected to push for a series of pro-Israel policies, including moving the Swedish embassy to Jerusalem and cutting aid to Palestinians.
Jimmie Akesson, leader of the Sweden Democrats, has been vocal about his intention to withdraw recognition of Palestine should his party take a more dominant role in government. Political commentator Zina al-Dewany suggests that if the Sweden Democrats influence foreign policy, significant changes could occur without needing parliamentary approval.
Left-Wing Coalition’s Position
Conversely, the left-wing coalition, comprising the Social Democrats, Left Party, and Greens, is united in its support for reinstating funding to UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. They have also expressed stronger stances regarding Israel, with calls to join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Criminal Court.
As the election looms, the stakes are high. Anfal Mahdi from the Left Party believes that if the left coalition secures power, they could initiate a trade boycott against Israel and increase support for international legal actions concerning the Israeli leadership. The elections may redefine Sweden's longstanding diplomatic posture, making the upcoming vote not just a domestic issue, but a pivotal moment in international relations.
Source: www.aljazeera.com
