Israel's Diplomatic Isolation: Is a 'South Africa Moment' on the Horizon?

Sat Oct 18 2025 23:47:05 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As the conflict in Gaza continues, Israel faces mounting international pressure and calls for sanctions reminiscent of South Africa's past apartheid struggles. Is Israel set on a similar path to global isolation?

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has intensified Israel's diplomatic isolation, leading to accusations that the country is becoming an international pariah. Key nations are discussing potential recognitions of Palestine, while significant sanctions are being announced by countries like Belgium and Spain. This situation sparks comparisons to South Africa during apartheid, with former Israeli officials suggesting that Israel is on a troubling trajectory that could impact its global standing. As protests and boycotts escalate in cultural and sporting arenas, the question looms: can Israel navigate this storm without spiraling into deeper isolation?

As the war in Gaza grinds on, Israel's international isolation appears to be deepening.

Is it approaching a South Africa moment, similar to the political pressure and economic, sporting, and cultural boycotts that forced Pretoria to abandon apartheid? Or can Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government 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 accused Netanyahu of transforming Israel into an international pariah. Following a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, the countries Netanyahu can safely travel to without fear of arrest have significantly dwindled.

At the UN, several countries—including Britain, France, Australia, Belgium, and Canada—have indicated plans to officially recognize Palestine next week. In response to an Israeli attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar, Gulf nations have convened to discuss a unified response, calling for a reassessment of relationships with Israel.

As images of famine from Gaza circulate and the Israeli army stands poised to invade and potentially devastate Gaza City, numerous European governments have begun expressing their discontent in significant ways.

Belgium has announced a range of sanctions intended to signal disapproval, including a ban on imports from Jewish settlements deemed illegal, a review of procurement policies with Israeli companies, and restrictions on consular services for Belgians in the settlements.

Spain has also declared an intention to enforce laws regarding an arms embargo, which previously existed in a de facto state, and will prohibit Israeli arms shipments from entering its airspace.

Moreover, Norway's expansive sovereign wealth fund has begun divesting from Israeli companies, a move implying potential long-term financial implications for Israel. In her recent address, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen remarked that the events in Gaza have 'shaken the conscience of the world.'

Beyond political and economic actions, cultural and sporting boycotts reminiscent of South Africa's past could emerge; several countries have signaled intentions to withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest if Israel participates, and protests have disrupted sporting events involving Israeli teams.

Despite these challenges, Israel maintains staunch backing from the U.S., with Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforcing the relationship during a recent visit, which complicates the picture of how isolated Israel might actually become.

While some analysts affirm that Israel's international status is deteriorating sharply, others believe that indicators do not point conclusively to a crisis akin to that of apartheid South Africa. Time will tell whether Israel can navigate this diplomatic crisis without falling into an irrevocable state of pariah status.