Ex-Diplomats Criticize Israeli Policy Amid UK Sanctions
Former senior Israeli diplomats have sharply criticized the country's foreign policy, which they believe has led to the UK imposing sanctions and a broader deterioration of relations with Western nations. Speaking to Ynet on Thursday, September 10, these former ambassadors pointed to several key issues contributing to the crisis, including violence by Jewish extremists in Judea and Samaria, the planned construction in the E1 area, a lack of broad political vision, and Israel's approach to friendly countries.
Jeremy Issacharoff, former ambassador to Germany, urged Israel to immediately halt the worsening situation in Judea and Samaria and crack down on violent actions by extremist Jewish settlers against Palestinians. He stated that the intention to build in E1, which he believes "buries the idea of Palestinian statehood," coupled with settlement expansion, provokes sharp international reactions like those from the UK and 11 other countries, including France, Canada, and Denmark. Issacharoff also highlighted that Israel's "thoughtful Palestinian policy" deficit weakens its diplomacy, harming its international legitimacy with strategic, political, and economic consequences.
Dani Carmon, former ambassador to India, described the British sanctions and Western countries' stance as a "deeply disturbing signal." He noted that while the international community previously avoided practical measures against settlements and territorial control, Israel's government has "killed political hope and is not acting decisively against Jewish extremism." This has led important nations, even friendly ones, to impose sanctions that could affect all Israelis. Carmon stressed that even without conditions for resuming negotiations, Israel should "demonstrate a willingness for peace, not a desire for territorial annexation."
Roni Leshno-Yaar, former ambassador to EU institutions, called for "elementary diplomacy," including dialogue even amid disagreements, an end to dismissive tones towards Western countries, and a clear statement of desire for good relations with neighbors. She emphasized demonstrating no intent for territorial seizures, focusing only on citizen security, and respecting Palestinians and their leadership. Nimrod Barkan, former ambassador to Canada, warned that Israel is increasingly isolating itself and endangering diaspora Jews, transforming from a safe haven into a primary risk source. He cautioned against a "South Africanization" process, which he believes can be avoided without Palestinian statehood, and called the actions of Foreign Minister Saar "ridiculous and counterproductive."
Dani Shek, former ambassador to France, placed the blame squarely on the "Netanyahu government," stating Israel must immediately control the situation in Judea and Samaria and prove it is not involved in or using daily crimes there for creeping annexation. In contrast, Alon Baker, former ambassador to Canada and ex-legal advisor to the Foreign Ministry, supported retaliatory measures against the sanctioning countries. He argued that these nations, which once supported peace talks, are now undermining them due to domestic political pressure, appeasing Muslim populations, and parliamentary opposition. Baker also advocated for closing the British consulate in Jerusalem, calling its function a violation of the Oslo Accords, and suggested expelling British representatives involved in undermining peace. While agreeing that settler violence needs tougher suppression, he criticized broad accusations and stated that announcements regarding E1 could have been avoided but were not, due to statements by Ben-Gvir and Smotrich and European exaggeration of settler violence. He concluded that Britain's actions should not go unanswered, as they cannot dictate terms based on narrow interests while ignoring Israel's.
