Allies exert pressure on Israel in the Gaza conflict, changes challenged

Allies exert pressure on Israel in the Gaza conflict, changes challenged

After 19 months of intensive clashes in Gaza, Israel is now facing growing pressure from an unexpected side - from some of his closest western allies. The patience of these countries is due to Israel's decision to expand the conflict and, as an Israeli minister, expressed it to "conquer" the territory. This strategy is accompanied by plans to drive the entire population of Gaza to the south and to block any humanitarian help for 11 weeks.

reaction of the western allies

The United Kingdom has suspended the trade talks with Israel and Extremistry settlers in West Jordanland sanctioned. Canada and France also threatened with sanctions. The European Union, Israel's largest trading partner, is currently checking its pioneering association with the state.

catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza

political changes and protests in Israel

The fact that some of the closest allies of Israel now contradict louder marks a considerable change in attitude towards the country. Hugh Lovatt, a senior political expert at the European Council on Foreign Relations, told CNN that two years ago it would have been unimaginable that Europe was considering rethinking the association agreement. "It used to be a taboo that was considered unrealistic," he said.

social division in Israel

The punitive measures that are threatened by the EU and other allies sometimes aim to influence the public debate in Israel, where society is already extremely divided. The government, supported by hardliners from right -wing extremists, is determined to continue the fight in Gaza. But every week, hundreds of thousands of Israelis demonstrate against the war and ask the government to agree on an armistice in order to relieve all hostages that are still held in the Gaza Strip.

external pressure and internal reactions

In a survey published by the Israeli television broadcaster Kanal 12 at the beginning of the month, 61% of those surveyed spoke out for an end to the war to achieve a deal to release the hostages, while only 25% supported the expanded military operation. Nevertheless, Arie Reich, a lawyer at the bar-Ilan university in Israel and expert for international commercial law, said that the external pressure on Netanyah's government may not have the desired effects.

international relationships and US support

Israel has ignored the threats of his western allies. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused them of offering "a huge price" for the attackers of October 7th. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that "external pressure measures do not dissuade Israel from his course in the struggle for his existence and security against enemies who are striving for his destruction". This determination to continue the conflict could indicate that Netanyahu, at least for the time being, can count on the support of the United States.

effects of the conflict situation on the international community

Some in Israel are concerned about the consequences of their actions in Gaza. The chairman of the opposition left Democratic Party, the former Israeli General Yair Golan, warned that Israel was "on the way to become a pariad state". The effects of the pressure of allies were visible on Sunday when the Israeli military announced that it would let a "basic amount of food" to Gaza, while it starts a new offensive on the Gaza strip that aims to put pressure on Hamas to released the hostages held there.

position of the EU to Israel

The pressure on Israel is reinforced by the fact that the European Union, as the largest trading partner of Israel, has a significant economic influence. However, a complete suspension of the association agreement is unlikely, since this would require the unanimous approval of all 27 EU member states and have already signaled several countries that they would not agree to this-including Hungary, a convinced supporter of Israel. Public interest in Israel remains strong in many EU countries, which makes it difficult to enforce strict sanctions.

future scenarios

experts warn that, as long as the EU does not put more pressure on Israel, hardly any change. beyond the humanitarian grievances. Therefore, strategic decisions and relationships must be carefully weighed in order to take into account both their own interests and human rights. In view of the current geopolitical situation, the situation could continue to change in the coming months.