Ex-Israeli Diplomats Criticize Policy Amid Western Sanctions

Former senior Israeli diplomats have voiced sharp criticism regarding the recent sanctions imposed by the UK and similar measures by other Western nations, attributing the diplomatic downturn to a sustained political failure. While opinions differ on Israel's appropriate response, many agree that the deterioration in relations stems from a lack of a political horizon, the violence perpetrated by Jewish extremists in the West Bank, and the controversial E1 construction plan.

Former Israeli Ambassador to Germany, Jeremy Issacharoff, emphasized the urgent need to prevent further escalation of violence in the West Bank and against Palestinians. He stated that the declared intention to build in E1, which would effectively bury the possibility of a Palestinian state, coupled with new settlement construction, invites strong international reactions like those from the UK, France, Canada, and Denmark. Issacharoff also noted that the absence of a "enlightened Israeli policy" regarding Palestinians neutralizes Israel's diplomatic ability to prevent hostile actions that undermine its international legitimacy.

Former Israeli Ambassador to India, Danny Carmon, described the British sanctions as a wake-up call, highlighting that the international community had previously refrained from practical measures against settlements, assuming they would be addressed in peace talks. He argued that by abandoning the political process and failing to decisively combat Jewish terrorism, Israel prompted key nations, even allies, to impose sanctions that could harm ordinary Israeli citizens. Carmon stressed that even if peace talks are not currently feasible, Israel must signal its willingness for a peace process, not annexation.

Former Israeli Ambassador to the EU institutions, Roni Leshno-Yaar, advocated for basic diplomatic engagement, including dialogue with adversaries, respectful communication with Western nations, and a clear statement of Israel's desire for good relations and security without territorial conquest. She criticized dismissive attitudes towards Palestinians and their leadership, asserting that dialogue, not isolation, is fundamental to diplomacy.

Former Israeli Ambassador to Canada, Nimrod Barak, warned that Israel is becoming increasingly isolated, potentially endangering Jews worldwide. He criticized the support for extreme Israeli policies by some Jewish communities, which he believes attracts animosity from groups like Muslim immigrants and left-wing critics, diminishing Israel's political leverage. Barak cautioned against "South Africanization" of Israel's global standing, suggesting it could lead to disaster if not halted, even without establishing a Palestinian state.

Former Ambassador to France, Danny Segev, placed blame on the Netanyahu government, urging immediate control over West Bank "madness" to prove Israel is not complicit in daily crimes or using them for gradual annexation. Alan Baker, a retired ambassador and former legal advisor to the Foreign Ministry, supported punitive measures against countries undermining the Oslo Accords, citing their internal political pressures and anti-Israel sentiment. He also called for the closure of the British Consulate in Jerusalem, deeming it an obsolete entity now serving as a de facto embassy for a Palestinian state in violation of agreements. Baker acknowledged the need to prevent settler violence but argued against generalizing it to all of Israel, suggesting the E1 announcement was perhaps unavoidable due to political statements and electioneering.

A senior former Foreign Ministry official, speaking anonymously, criticized Israeli diplomacy for lacking purpose and logic, alienating key global players while investing in marginal ones. He stated that public diplomacy efforts are failing because they amplify an aggressive policy, wasting resources.

Another former senior diplomat involved in Palestinian negotiations stated that the current deterioration is a direct result of short-sighted policy, with Israel abandoning diplomacy post-October 7th in favor of military solutions. This, he argued, led to missed opportunities for regional strengthening, including normalization with Saudi Arabia and improved relations with Turkey and Lebanon. He believes the situation is reversible if a government is willing to consider political progress.

A former diplomat who served in Europe and the US noted that the erosion of the rule of law in Israel and the lack of enforcement against Jewish perpetrators in the West Bank have fueled frustration among global governments, even friendly ones. He suggested that the UK's decision, despite no longer being in the EU, could influence Brussels.