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?
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 recognize Palestine as a state next week. And Gulf countries, reacting angrily to Israel's recent actions, have been discussing a unified response, suggesting that those with relations with Israel should reconsider.
With images of starvation emerging from Gaza and the Israeli army poised for a potential invasion, more European governments are expressing their displeasure through actions that go beyond mere statements.
Belgium has announced a series of sanctions, including a ban on imports from illegal Jewish settlements and declaring hardline Israeli ministers persona non grata. Other nations like Spain have also imposed measures targeting Israeli actions during the Gaza conflict.
Norway's sovereign wealth fund has begun divesting from Israeli companies, and the EU has plans to sanction far-right ministers and review trade agreements with Israel.
As there are rising protests throughout Europe and cultural boycotts initiating against Israel, the question arises: is Israel truly nearing a diplomatic crisis akin to South Africa's apartheid era, or can it navigate through these challenges with its current strategies intact?
Ambassadors and diplomats express a mix of fear and cautious optimism, suggesting that while the pressure is mounting, it's not yet too late for Israel to reverse its course and restore its standing among nations.
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 recognize Palestine as a state next week. And Gulf countries, reacting angrily to Israel's recent actions, have been discussing a unified response, suggesting that those with relations with Israel should reconsider.
With images of starvation emerging from Gaza and the Israeli army poised for a potential invasion, more European governments are expressing their displeasure through actions that go beyond mere statements.
Belgium has announced a series of sanctions, including a ban on imports from illegal Jewish settlements and declaring hardline Israeli ministers persona non grata. Other nations like Spain have also imposed measures targeting Israeli actions during the Gaza conflict.
Norway's sovereign wealth fund has begun divesting from Israeli companies, and the EU has plans to sanction far-right ministers and review trade agreements with Israel.
As there are rising protests throughout Europe and cultural boycotts initiating against Israel, the question arises: is Israel truly nearing a diplomatic crisis akin to South Africa's apartheid era, or can it navigate through these challenges with its current strategies intact?
Ambassadors and diplomats express a mix of fear and cautious optimism, suggesting that while the pressure is mounting, it's not yet too late for Israel to reverse its course and restore its standing among nations.
