After the war of more than 18 months in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin seems to be wearing a thinner international patience with Netanyahu. Most particularly, close colleagues like Germany and the United States have seen a change in rhetoric that challenges Israel’s prolonged diplomatic insulation.
Increasing restlessness in Germany
German Chancellor Frederick Merz has criticized Israel’s strategy in Gaza rare and indicated. At the “Ray: Public” Conference in Berlin on Monday, Merz said that the pain of citizens as part of the Israeli battle against Hamas can no longer be justified “.
He emphasized the unique responsibility of Germany towards Israel: “But when the border crosses and human international law is clearly violated, the Germany – and the German Chancellor – should speak.” He said that Israel should not work in ways that can also separate its closest colleagues.
German Foreign Minister Johan Wadeful on Monday called the Humanitrian situation in Gaza as “unaware” and for more effective assistance distribution. He accepted the challenge of balanced Germany for Israel with the values of human dignity and international law.
In 2023, Germany approved arms exports to Israel, priced at 326.5 million euros ($ 363.5 million), including military equipment and war weapons, growing 10 times from 2024, it was at 161.1 million euros ($ 182.8 million).
Pressure from america
Criticism of the United States is a mountain, the closest ally to Israel. In a departure with his previous support, President Donald Trump told reporters in New Jersey: “Israel, we are talking to him, and we want to see if we can stop that whole situation as soon as possible.”
Large -scale symbolic, thesis comments marked a change, Elena Aon said, from the professor of international relations in Uclouvain, from DW. “Donald Trump is not as happy with Netanyahu as he was at the beginning of his mandate.” Certainly. “
Nevertheless, Aon underlines that despite the change in rhetoric, financial assistance to American military and Israel remains uninterrupted.
Eu Cautiuus, but cracks appear in the block
The European Union has taken tactic tental steps cities, rejecting its relationship with Israel. Last week, the Foreign Minister announced a review of the European Union-Israel Association Agreement, which controls trade and political relations. Kaza Kalas, head of the European Union’s foreign policy, entered the present level of humanitarian aid entering Gaza as a “one drop in the ocean”.
However, as Aoun comments: “This is a change of words, not yet works. Reviewing the trade agreement is just the beginning. The European Union still will still have to decide whether Israel is violating Article 2.” This article combines trade between blocks and Israel for human rights obligations.
A total of 17 out of 27 members of the European Union supported the review. Germany, Hungary and Czech Republic were among those who opposed the move, Israel thanked in public.
In an interview with the DW, the researcher’s Ameli Frey at the security center of Ephri in Paris stated that Europe has a profit range on conflict: “Uri main weapons and closing suppliers, their support, or its lack, create the biggest difference.
Icc warrant
Next to the criticism of international leaders, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister and Defense Minister Yov Galant last November.
Symbolically, this step is important, but in the context of a real change, it remains limited, Aun says. “Germany, Hungary, France and Belgium have indicated everyone that they will not implement warrant. This shows the international justice system weak.”
Féyy disagree. He emphasized that the arrest warrant prohibits the freedom of the movement of Netanyahu and his senior officials, making them an enemy for arrest that you should visit a country that can implement the warrant.
The move has for the first time the ICC has targeted the sitting leader of a democratic country with allegations on a living struggle. Netanyahu dismissed the allegations, called the subject “disgusting” and insisted that Israel is working in self -defense.
Internal pressure
Meanwhile, Israel’s military campaign continues in Gaza. The Israeli army claims that it now controls about 40% of the area, and is planning to capture 75% within the next two months.
Despite allowing limited assistance after eleven weeks of blockage, the humanitarian situation remains critical, with support agencies such as the International Red Cross. According to the Health Ministry in Gaza, around 54,000 Palestinians have allegedly killed in Gaza and around 122,000 were injured.
The Israeli government has faced criticism not only on Gaza, but also in the West Bank. The UK has approved the extremists of Israel to carry forward an notable growth of illegal settlement expansion, British policy.
Inside Israel, public opposition is also increasing. Demonstrations continue by hostage families and civil society groups. But researcher Elena Aun says that most of the public still supports the war: “Polls shows that more than 50% support supports running operations.”
Target under consideration
Prime Minister Netanyahu insisted that the purpose of the military campaign is to destroy Hamas. But analysts like Aoun suspect: “War has been going on for two years. What is new, international perception, Palestinian suffering specificly around. Nevertheless, none of Israel’s strategic goals have been obtained clearly.”
Here, also, research amélie férey has a different opinion: “If the objective was destroying the military threat then Hamas introduced [Israeli army] ID, so this purpose has been achieved. “However, he agrees that political questions and long -lasting peace objectives are more complex.
European reliability on line
For Amélie Férey, the European transaction is tested on Gaza, as it appears to apply a dual standard while talking about Israel: “The European Union enhances the principle of self -determination in the case of Ukraine, yet appears reluctant to apply the same standard for Palestinians in Gaza,
She welcomes the plan to review the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which is the first major step in the right direction, but underlines that Europe now requires a clear road map towards two-statues.
Both researchers agree that next week will be decisive. Netanyahu also seems frightening, as his colleagues. But critics are far from united. While symbolic gestures are multiplied, the question remains whether they will be done after the kind of international pressure that can force the real policy change on the ground.
