In the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israel has recently faced increased scrutiny and pressure from its traditional allies, including the United States, Britain, and France. This shift comes after more than 18 months of war, during which Israel had not faced significant public censure from its partners.
President Trump publicly urged for a de-escalation of the conflict, stating, “Israel, we’ve been talking to them, and we want to see if we can stop that whole situation as quickly as possible.” This marks a departure from his earlier stance when he had blamed Hamas for the continuation of the war and had maintained a united front with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed unusually strong criticism of Israel's military actions in Gaza, questioning the humanitarian impact of the Israeli Army's operations. Similarly, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called for an immediate cease-fire and the release of hostages, marking a notable shift in rhetoric from both the German and Italian governments, traditionally supportive of Israel.
The coordinated criticism from Britain, Canada, and France described Israel's military escalation in Gaza as “wholly disproportionate,” warning of potential repercussions if Israel did not adjust its strategy. Britain has already suspended trade negotiations with Israel and imposed sanctions on extremist individuals supporting the expulsion of Palestinians from the West Bank.
Meanwhile, France is organizing a conference in collaboration with Saudi Arabia to discuss the creation of a Palestinian state, an initiative opposed by Netanyahu. Despite this criticism, these countries continue to support Israel through military, economic, and intelligence partnerships, with the United States remaining a significant supplier of military aid.
Israel’s response to the international pressure has been resolute, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stating that the country would take its own unilateral measures in response to threats from Europe. On the ground, Israeli military operations continue to advance, with reports indicating that Israeli control extends over approximately 40 percent of Gaza. However, humanitarian aid access remains limited, and much of the aid has not yet reached those in need.
Netanyahu responded defiantly to the criticisms from Western leaders, accusing them of emboldening Hamas and asserting that they are on the “wrong side of humanity.” Within Israel, the political tone reflects concerns over growing diplomatic isolation, with reports indicating that Israel is experiencing a low point in its relations with key allies.
In conclusion, after 593 days of conflict, Israel is facing significant diplomatic challenges as some of its closest partners threaten sanctions, potentially marking a pivotal moment in its international relations.