Israel's Diplomatic Dilemma: Facing Isolation Amid Gaza Conflict

Wed Oct 22 2025 13:53:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As the war in Gaza endures, Israel's position on the international stage appears increasingly precarious, with growing calls for boycotts reminiscent of South Africa's anti-apartheid movement.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza is seeing Israel's global standing deteriorate, fueling discussions about whether it is facing a 'South Africa moment.' Calls for recognition of Palestine and sanctions against Israeli officials are on the rise, echoing historical precedents of isolation and pressure that contributed to the end of apartheid in South Africa. Conversely, some observers maintain that Israel's diplomatic situation is not irreversible, particularly with steadfast support from the United States. However, the potential for significant change remains as European sentiment shifts towards increased measures against the Israeli government.

As the war in Gaza grinds on, Israel's international isolation appears to be deepening.

Is it approaching a South Africa moment, when a combination of political pressure, economic, sporting and cultural boycotts helped to force Pretoria to abandon apartheid?

Or can the right-wing government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu weather the diplomatic storm, leaving Israel free to pursue its goals in Gaza and the occupied West Bank without causing permanent damage to its international standing?

Two former prime ministers, Ehud Barak and Ehud Olmert, have already accused Netanyahu of turning Israel into an international pariah.

Thanks to a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, the number of countries Netanyahu can travel to without the risk of being arrested has shrunk dramatically.

At the UN, several countries, including Britain, France, Australia, Belgium and Canada, have said they are planning to recognise Palestine as a state next week.

And Gulf countries, reacting with fury to last Tuesday's Israeli attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar, have been meeting in Doha to discuss a unified response, with some calling on countries which enjoy relations with Israel to think again.

But with images of starvation emerging from Gaza over the summer and the Israeli army poised to invade - and quite possibly destroy - Gaza City, more and more European governments are showing their displeasure in ways that go beyond mere statements.

At the start of the month, Belgium announced a series of sanctions, including a ban on imports from illegal Jewish settlements in the West Bank, a review of procurement policies with Israeli companies and restrictions on consular assistance to Belgians living in settlements.

Other countries, including Britain and France, had already taken similar steps. A week after Belgium's move, Spain announced its own measures.

In August, Norway's vast $2tn sovereign wealth fund announced it would start divesting from companies listed in Israel. Meanwhile, the EU plans to sanction far-right ministers and partly suspend trade elements of its association agreement with Israel.

Amidst this backdrop, the Eurovision Song Contest is facing similar calls for boycotts, with several countries hinting at withdrawing if Israel competes in future events.

In Hollywood, a growing petition for a boycott of Israeli production companies has garnered significant attention, including signatures from high-profile figures.

In the sporting arena, protests against Israeli teams have caused disruptions at international events.

Despite the mounting criticism, Israel's leadership remains defiant amidst what has been described as a diplomatic tsunami.

While there's considerable anxiety amongst former diplomats and officials regarding Israel's international standing, many remain hopeful that a reversal is possible with the right changes in policy.