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 said they are planning to recognise Palestine as a state next week. And Gulf countries, reacting with fury to last Tuesday's Israeli attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar, have been meeting in Doha to discuss a unified response, with some calling on countries that have relations with Israel to rethink their positions. Even Netanyahu admitted on Monday that Israel is facing 'a kind of' economic isolation on the world stage. He blamed this isolation on negative publicity abroad and emphasized the need for Israel to invest in 'influence operations' in traditional and social media. Several European nations have begun enacting measures against Israel, such as Belgium implementing sanctions on imports from illegal Jewish settlements. There are signs of cultural and sporting boycotts starting to emerge against Israel similar to those imposed on South Africa in the past. The question remains: is Israel's international isolation irreversible, or will it find a way to reestablish its position on the world stage?
Is Israel Facing a 'South Africa Moment' Amid Gaza Conflict?

Is Israel Facing a 'South Africa Moment' Amid Gaza Conflict?
As the Gaza conflict continues, Israel's global standing faces increasing scrutiny, drawing parallels to South Africa's apartheid era. Can Israel navigate this diplomatic storm, or is it on the path to international isolation?
With rising international condemnation over its actions in Gaza, Israel is experiencing a potential 'South Africa moment,' characterized by political pressure and calls for boycotts similar to those that challenged apartheid. Key nations like Belgium and Spain are implementing sanctions, while former leaders in Israel express concerns about the country becoming an international pariah. As support within Europe and beyond shifts, questions arise about Israel's ability to maintain its diplomatic ties and its standing in the international community.