Home Middle East Former Israeli Ambassador Reflects on Diplomatic Failures and Rising Middle East Tensions

Former Israeli Ambassador Reflects on Diplomatic Failures and Rising Middle East Tensions

As the war in Gaza and now Lebanon intensifies, Israel is facing significant diplomatic fallout. Our correspondents examine the far-reaching impact of the conflict, both within the region and on the global stage.

by Soofiya

Former Israeli ambassador Alon Liel, a staunch advocate for peace, reflects on the past year as a significant failure of diplomacy, amid the escalating conflict engulfing the Middle East. He emphasizes that Israel has faced multiple setbacks in its international relations, especially since its military response to the October 7 Hamas attacks from Gaza.

Diplomats like Liel warn that Israel has seen a decline in global support, experiencing adverse international court rulings, increased recognition of Palestine, and sanctions against West Bank settlers. These diplomatic blows have isolated the nation. “These actions have made Israel more vulnerable,” Liel explained in an interview with The National. “The last year’s massive military response, which likely caused around 45,000 deaths, and destruction not only in Gaza but also Lebanon, the West Bank, and even Yemen, has hurt Israel diplomatically. With our increased vulnerability, countries feel more comfortable opposing us, and international organizations are joining this trend.”

Liel lamented the lack of dialogue and diplomacy, saying, “There’s so much shooting, but no talking, as if diplomacy was never invented. It’s deeply concerning.”

Across the Middle East and beyond, international correspondents from The National have been tracking how various countries are reacting to Israel’s actions.

Turkey’s Response

Lizzie Porter reports from Istanbul that one of the key moments came when Turkey suspended its economic relations with Israel. Initially, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for calm after the October 7 attacks, but by the end of the month, he compared the situation in Gaza to the Holocaust and openly supported Hamas, which he referred to as a “liberation group.”

This marked a significant deterioration in relations between the two countries, with Turkey halting all trade with Israel and even applying to join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Iraq’s Position

Sinan Mahmoud reports from Baghdad on how Iran-backed militias in Iraq have capitalized on the conflict to further their anti-US agenda. Their drone and missile attacks on US troops stationed in Iraq and Syria, framed as part of the broader “Axis of Resistance,” have drawn Iraq deeper into the geopolitical power struggle between Iran and the West.

Baghdad’s delicate diplomatic balancing act is being strained as these militia actions drag the country further into regional conflicts.

Egypt’s Role

Hamza Hendawi, reporting from Cairo, highlights Egypt’s central role as one of the mediators in the conflict, alongside the US and Qatar. While these efforts have yet to produce a ceasefire, Egypt’s international standing has risen due to its involvement. However, Egypt’s own economy has suffered, as Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping have severely impacted revenue from the Suez Canal.

Lebanon’s Escalation

In Lebanon, Jamie Prentis reports that tensions between Hezbollah and Israel have escalated to an all-out war, with Israeli troops invading southern Lebanon. Civilian casualties and displacement in Lebanon have surged, adding another layer of complexity to the conflict.

Europe’s Dilemma

Sunniva Rose from Paris explains that Europe’s response has been fragmented. The International Court of Justice in The Hague ruled that South Africa’s genocide accusations against Israel are plausible, further isolating Israel diplomatically. Arrest warrants have been issued for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and three Hamas leaders.

Public sentiment across Europe has grown increasingly pro-Palestinian, especially among younger generations. However, many European governments remain cautious about severing ties with Israel, citing complex political and economic interests.

The UK’s Shift

Lemma Shehadi reports from London on how the election of a Labour government has brought significant shifts in the UK’s stance. Foreign Secretary David Lammy restored funding to the UN’s Palestinian relief agency, withdrew legal challenges against the ICC, and implemented a partial arms ban on weapons used by Israel in Gaza. However, the Labour government continues to face political tensions over its refusal to recognize Palestine.

US Influence

Willy Lowry in Washington DC outlines how the US has repeatedly used its veto power at the UN to shield Israel from international condemnation. Relations between President Joe Biden’s administration and Netanyahu’s far-right government have sou

The ongoing conflict between Israel and its neighbors has consistently been one of the most polarizing issues in global geopolitics. From its origins, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has drawn widespread attention, generating sympathy, anger, and staunch support on various sides. As Israel navigates its current war efforts, the global response is as divided and complex as ever, reflecting the multiplicity of views shaped by history, politics, religion, and morality.

Historical Context Shapes Opinions

The complex history of the region plays a significant role in how different parts of the world view Israel’s military actions. For many in the West, particularly in the United States and parts of Europe, Israel is seen as a democracy defending itself against terrorism. The support Israel garners from these countries is often rooted in historical alliances, shared democratic values, and a collective memory of the atrocities of World War II, particularly the Holocaust.

However, in many parts of the Middle East and Muslim-majority nations, Israel is perceived as an occupying power. This perspective stems from decades of Israeli military presence in Palestinian territories, the displacement of Palestinian communities, and ongoing settlements in contested areas. In these regions, Israel’s actions are frequently seen as aggression rather than defense, fueling anger and resentment.

Western Allies: A Balancing Act

For Israel’s closest allies, particularly the U.S., the war presents a delicate balancing act. On one hand, the U.S. has long been one of Israel’s strongest supporters, both politically and militarily. American administrations, regardless of party, have provided billions in aid to Israel, supporting its right to self-defense.

Yet, the war complicates this relationship. Israel’s military operations, particularly those that lead to civilian casualties, often spark protests and criticisms within the U.S. and Europe. Progressive movements, human rights organizations, and segments of the media push for more nuanced or critical stances, urging for peace and a solution that considers Palestinian rights. As a result, Western governments frequently find themselves walking a tightrope, supporting Israel’s security while calling for restraint in its military actions.

Arab World: Deep Divisions

In the Arab world, responses to Israel’s war are intense but not uniform. Historically, Israel’s actions have united much of the Arab world in opposition. However, recent years have seen a shift, with some countries like the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco normalizing relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords. These diplomatic breakthroughs have softened opposition from some quarters, but public opinion within many Arab nations remains overwhelmingly critical of Israel’s military actions.

For many Arab citizens, Israel’s wars are not isolated incidents but rather part of a broader narrative of oppression and occupation. This narrative fuels strong support for Palestinians and, at times, leads to widespread protests and calls for boycotts of Israeli goods or companies doing business with Israel.

Global South: Support for Palestinian Rights

In the Global South, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, there is often significant sympathy for the Palestinian cause. This is rooted in anti-colonial sentiment, as many nations that struggled for their own independence draw parallels between their experiences and the Palestinian fight for self-determination. Countries like South Africa, which fought against apartheid, have been particularly vocal in condemning Israeli policies as akin to apartheid.

Many nations in this part of the world, while not always condemning Israel outright, push for a fair and just solution that recognizes Palestinian statehood and opposes unilateral military actions that result in heavy civilian casualties.

A War of Perceptions

Israel’s reputation on the world stage is inextricably linked to the narratives constructed by various parties. Proponents of Israel’s military actions emphasize the country’s right to defend itself against external threats, highlighting the presence of militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. For them, Israel’s wars are not a choice but a necessity for survival in a volatile region.

On the other hand, critics argue that Israel’s military actions are disproportionately violent and often result in significant civilian casualties, which they see as human rights violations. These critics are amplified in global media, especially with the widespread use of social media, which can quickly circulate images and reports of destruction and death, intensifying the debate.

The Future of Israel’s Global Standing

Israel’s international reputation is likely to remain a contentious issue for years to come. Its relationships with Western allies, growing ties with some Arab states, and opposition from various global quarters underscore the complexity of the situation. Each military conflict risks further eroding Israel’s standing in the international community, particularly among those advocating for Palestinian rights. However, its strategic alliances and diplomatic efforts may continue to provide a buffer against widespread isolation.

As the world becomes more interconnected, global reactions to Israel’s war efforts will only grow louder and more impactful. The global stage is shifting, and Israel’s actions in this war—and those that may follow—will be scrutinized through the lenses of justice, morality, and political expediency.

Ultimately, Israel’s reputation depends on how its military actions align with international expectations of human rights, diplomacy, and peace efforts, in a world that is increasingly less tolerant of prolonged conflict.red, but the US continues to support Israel’s military actions, particularly in its ongoing conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

This series of diplomatic and geopolitical shifts underscores the growing isolation Israel faces on the global stage, as it grapples with escalating conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and beyond.

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