AN INCREASINGLY ISOLATED ISRAEL INTERNATIONALLY
What is also significant about Mr Wong’s remark is that it mirrors the increasing daylight between support for Israel and for the Netanyahu government, around the world, particularly in the West.
What began with robust Spanish support for the Palestinians grew into recognition (alongside Ireland and Norway) of a Palestinian state in May 2024, and has now broadened into criticism of Israeli conduct among Israel’s closest European friends. The European Union has even moved to review the EU-Israel Association Agreement – the basis for trade relations.
Trouble for Israel is brewing across the Atlantic, too.
United States President Donald Trump’s has reportedly expressed frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, owing to a divide between the former’s desire to see an end to the war and the latter’s defiance. Mr Trump has blindsided Mr Netanyahu on several other occasions thus far, including negotiating a new nuclear deal with Iran, and brokering direct agreements with Hamas and the Houthis that left Israel sidelined and vulnerable.
The US president’s high-profile trip to the Middle East just two weeks ago omitted Israel, which spoke volumes – and that is before one accounts for his decision to lift sanctions on Syria. To rub salt in the wound, Vice President JD Vance scrapped a planned visit to Israel, too, reportedly over concerns that such a trip would validate its renewed offensive into Gaza.
It must be said, however, that the current wave of criticism remains just that. Whether the US, Europe, or others will apply more than vocal and symbolic pressure on Israel in order to change the situation on the ground remains to be seen.
