Analysis: From visa waivers to mango exports, research grants to Eurovision, Israel faces mounting isolation in Europe despite US backing; critics accuse Netanyahu of deflecting blame as experts warn recognition of Palestinian state could deepen crisis. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement about Israel entering “diplomatic isolation” has already become a reality. But the isolation he refers to is not confined to the diplomatic arena. It is spreading like wildfire into many other fields: the economy, culture, science, academia, sports, tourism and beyond.
In the coming years, even after the war in Gaza ends, many around the world are likely to try to erase or cancel the brand name “Israel.” This will happen not only because of opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza, but also because of a growing reluctance to be associated with a “toxic brand” that, in recent months, Israel has become.
The fear is also driven by public opinion in many places, where Israel is increasingly rejected as part of the enlightened Western world. For now, Israelis enjoy visa exemptions in many countries. But deteriorating ties could prompt some nations to cancel existing visa-waiver agreements, citing the need to ensure that applicants are not involved in “genocide” or other “crimes.” (Read More)
