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, and Canada, have stated they intend to recognize Palestine as a state next week.
In response to recent Israeli military actions, especially the attacks on Hamas leaders in Qatar, Gulf countries have convened to orchestrate a unified response, cautioning nations that maintain relations with Israel to reconsider.
Reports of starvation in Gaza over the summer have caused increasing distress among European governments, who are taking actions that go beyond mere statements. Netanyahu himself acknowledged that Israel is facing 'a kind of' economic isolation on the global stage and suggested that Israel should invest in 'influence operations' to combat negative publicity.
As the dynamics evolve, actions taken by various nations - including Belgium's ban on imports from illegal settlements and Spain's legal enforcements against Israeli arms sales - illustrate a growing trend of sanctions against Israel.
Israel's combative foreign minister has branded these actions as antisemitic, while protests against Israeli representation at international sporting events highlight a larger cultural shift. Protests at cycling events and calls for a boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest indicate increasing unrest surrounding Israeli representation on global platforms.
Amid these pressures, concerns abound regarding the impact of collective actions on moderate Israelis. Former diplomats suggest that while some measures are necessary to push for change, they fear that a broad brush approach may alienate the very populations that seek dialogue and peace.
While current diplomatic relationships fluctuate, particularly with the United States' continued support underpinned by Secretary of State Marco Rubio's assurances, the future remains uncertain. Observers note a possible prelude to a South African moment but emphasize that significant pressures may yet compel a reassessment of Israel's international strategies and responsibilities.
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, and Canada, have stated they intend to recognize Palestine as a state next week.
In response to recent Israeli military actions, especially the attacks on Hamas leaders in Qatar, Gulf countries have convened to orchestrate a unified response, cautioning nations that maintain relations with Israel to reconsider.
Reports of starvation in Gaza over the summer have caused increasing distress among European governments, who are taking actions that go beyond mere statements. Netanyahu himself acknowledged that Israel is facing 'a kind of' economic isolation on the global stage and suggested that Israel should invest in 'influence operations' to combat negative publicity.
As the dynamics evolve, actions taken by various nations - including Belgium's ban on imports from illegal settlements and Spain's legal enforcements against Israeli arms sales - illustrate a growing trend of sanctions against Israel.
Israel's combative foreign minister has branded these actions as antisemitic, while protests against Israeli representation at international sporting events highlight a larger cultural shift. Protests at cycling events and calls for a boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest indicate increasing unrest surrounding Israeli representation on global platforms.
Amid these pressures, concerns abound regarding the impact of collective actions on moderate Israelis. Former diplomats suggest that while some measures are necessary to push for change, they fear that a broad brush approach may alienate the very populations that seek dialogue and peace.
While current diplomatic relationships fluctuate, particularly with the United States' continued support underpinned by Secretary of State Marco Rubio's assurances, the future remains uncertain. Observers note a possible prelude to a South African moment but emphasize that significant pressures may yet compel a reassessment of Israel's international strategies and responsibilities.
