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 planned to recognize Palestine as a state next week. Gulf countries, reacting with fury to last Tuesday's Israeli attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar, have been discussing a unified response, with some calling on nations that maintain relations with Israel to reconsider.
With images of starvation emerging from Gaza over the summer and the Israeli army poised to invade and likely destroy Gaza City, more European governments are expressing their displeasure beyond mere statements.
Belgium has announced sanctions, including a ban on imports from illegal Jewish settlements in the West Bank, and designated two hardline Israeli government ministers persona non grata. Other nations have followed suit, with Spain turning an existing de facto arms embargo into law and restricting trade. In August, Norway's sovereign wealth fund decided to divest from Israeli companies, while the EU considers sanctions on far-right ministers.
The potential for cultural boycotts is also surfacing, with countries like Ireland, Spain, and the Netherlands hinting they may withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026 if Israel is allowed to compete. In Hollywood, a letter calling for a boycott of Israeli production companies has gained significant traction, garnishing thousands of signatures from high-profile actors.
Despite this growing pressure, Israel maintains strong backing from the US. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted that this relationship would remain strong, even as Israel faces increasing international ire.
While some analysts believe Israel is on the edge of a diplomatic precipice similar to South Africa's past, others argue that such comparisons are exaggerated and that there remains a significant divide among nations regarding the extent of sanctions and boycotts. As the situation evolves, Israel's government faces pivotal decisions that could either alleviate or exacerbate its current 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 planned to recognize Palestine as a state next week. Gulf countries, reacting with fury to last Tuesday's Israeli attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar, have been discussing a unified response, with some calling on nations that maintain relations with Israel to reconsider.
With images of starvation emerging from Gaza over the summer and the Israeli army poised to invade and likely destroy Gaza City, more European governments are expressing their displeasure beyond mere statements.
Belgium has announced sanctions, including a ban on imports from illegal Jewish settlements in the West Bank, and designated two hardline Israeli government ministers persona non grata. Other nations have followed suit, with Spain turning an existing de facto arms embargo into law and restricting trade. In August, Norway's sovereign wealth fund decided to divest from Israeli companies, while the EU considers sanctions on far-right ministers.
The potential for cultural boycotts is also surfacing, with countries like Ireland, Spain, and the Netherlands hinting they may withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026 if Israel is allowed to compete. In Hollywood, a letter calling for a boycott of Israeli production companies has gained significant traction, garnishing thousands of signatures from high-profile actors.
Despite this growing pressure, Israel maintains strong backing from the US. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted that this relationship would remain strong, even as Israel faces increasing international ire.
While some analysts believe Israel is on the edge of a diplomatic precipice similar to South Africa's past, others argue that such comparisons are exaggerated and that there remains a significant divide among nations regarding the extent of sanctions and boycotts. As the situation evolves, Israel's government faces pivotal decisions that could either alleviate or exacerbate its current international standing.
