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592 days after the outbreak of the war, triggered by an attack on 7 October, the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is once again in the global spotlight, and Israel’s international image has reached a historic low. On Monday, the United Kingdom, France and Canada, Israel’s key allies, threatened sanctions if the war in Gaza continues. In less than 24 hours, the UK cancelled talks on a future free trade agreement with Israel, summoned Israeli Ambassador to London Tzipi Hotovely for a reprimand, and imposed sanctions on several Israeli settlers. At the same time, the White House expressed disappointment with the Israeli government, accusing it of being the only one not promoting a comprehensive agreement, Ynet reported.
These statements and actions could have serious economic consequences for Israel. The UK is one of Israel’s main trading partners, with a trade volume of around £9 billion, making it the fourth largest market. The free trade agreement was critical for the Israeli tech industry and was expected to cover new areas. In addition, the European threat to cancel a long-standing partnership agreement with Israel is unprecedented. Although Israel considers the likelihood of cancellation to be low, it poses a threat worth tens of billions.
The West’s harsh reaction and the USA’s silence
Unlike in the past, the United States did not condemn the harsh threats of Western powers. British Secretary of State for the Middle East Hamish Falconer, speaking to Hotovely, said that the UK opposes the expansion of military operations in Gaza and the growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. “Britain will not stand idly by,” he stressed.
French Prime Minister François Bayrou said that Paris, London and Ottawa jointly oppose the events in the Gaza Strip and plan to recognise a Palestinian state. This statement by the three countries was the harshest warning to Israel, effectively isolating it in the international arena.
Even right-wing governments in Europe, such as the Netherlands, have been sharply critical of Israel. The Netherlands has initiated discussions on the possible cancellation of the EU-Israel partnership agreement. Deputy European Commissioner Kaja Kallas noted that this decision depends on Israel and is reversible. At least 17 countries supported the Dutch initiative, while 9 opposed it. The Italian Foreign Minister said: “We do not want to see the Palestinian population suffer. The Israeli government must be told: enough is enough!”.
US silence and uncertainty in the UN Security Council
The silence of the United States is particularly alarming. While Washington has repeatedly defended Israel in the past, it is now refraining from commenting. There has been no condemnation of the threats of sanctions from Britain, France or Canada. If the issue of ending the war is brought before the UN Security Council, it is unclear whether the US will use its veto power, as it has done in the past. Although the Trump administration has expressed support for Israel, reports of its “loss of patience” and “frustration” add to the uncertainty.
An Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman told Ynet: “We are facing a real tsunami that will only get worse. This is the worst situation we have ever been in. The world is not with us”. According to him, since November 2023, the world has only seen images of dead Palestinian children and destroyed homes, and he is tired of it. “Israel offers no solution, no hope, only death and destruction. The silent boycott is already here and will grow,” he added.
Why is Israel isolated?
One of the key factors is the French initiative. President Emmanuel Macron is preparing to recognise a Palestinian state at an international conference with Saudi Arabia in New York next month. Israel believes that the United Kingdom, Belgium, Luxembourg and other countries will join in. Israel has issued sharp warnings to France about a possible harsh reaction, including the closure of the French consulate in Jerusalem or the annexation of territories in the West Bank.
Israel also rejected France’s invitation to participate in a conference in New York on a two-state solution. In May 2024, Norway, Ireland and Spain recognised the Palestinian state, after which Israel recalled its ambassadors from these countries and closed its embassy in Ireland.
The Western diplomat explained that the initiative of France and Saudi Arabia has the support of Saudi leader Mohammed bin Salman, who is seeking to use France’s diplomatic weight. “Recognition of a Palestinian state is not the main thing. It’s about finding a solution that will prevent the conflict for the next 30-40 years,” he said, stressing the economic benefits for both sides.
Another factor is the fear of famine and the images of destruction in Gaza, which influence public opinion in Western countries. In the UK and Canada, left-wing governments are in power, known for their criticism of Israel. Macron, although not a member of the left, is targeting centrists and left-wing voters. All three countries have already imposed partial or full arms embargoes on Israel.
Public opinion in these countries has become increasingly anti-Israel due to reports from Gaza and radical statements by Israeli ministers such as Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir about “starvation” and “final victory”. The absence of moderate voices offering a plan to end the war or a post-war settlement increases the pressure.
Is it possible to break off the relationship?
For now, a severance of diplomatic relations with these countries seems unlikely, although the statements are becoming increasingly harsh. Possible steps include the recall of ambassadors, additional sanctions against extremist settlers, or threats to suspend trade deals, which are likely to be blocked in the EU with the support of Hungary and the Czech Republic.
However, the threats of sanctions and recognition of a Palestinian state worsen the atmosphere and contribute to a “silent boycott” – avoidance of economic contacts by the private sector, cancellation of scientific, academic and cultural projects. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar reacted sharply, saying: “We are a free, independent and proud nation fighting for our existence. We will not accept dictates on our national security.”
Source: Ynet
