Ex-Envoy Warns Israel Risks Apartheid-Era South Africa Isolation

Avi Pazner, a former Israeli ambassador to Italy and France and chairman of the Jewish National Fund, has warned that Israel could face severe international isolation if its government and policies do not change. Pazner, who also served as a media advisor to former Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir, stated in a message to a group of Foreign Ministry veterans that the situation could resemble the isolation South Africa experienced in the late 1980s due to its apartheid regime.

Pazner drew parallels to the economic and political sanctions imposed on South Africa in the mid-1980s, which led to the collapse of apartheid. He noted that while sanctions are currently limited, primarily targeting Judea and Samaria, they could expand to encompass all of Israel if the current coalition wins upcoming elections. "Israel will enter a situation we have never been in before," he cautioned.

His warning comes amid reports of customs checks on luggage from Israel arriving in the Netherlands. The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a travel advisory for Israelis planning to visit the Netherlands, alerting them to potentially lengthy and intrusive baggage inspections. This is in response to a Dutch order prohibiting the import of goods originating from Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights, with violations potentially leading to fines or imprisonment.

Commentator Nahum Barnea noted that several Western European countries, previously considered strong allies, are preparing to impose significant sanctions on Israel. He suggested these actions might be held in reserve until October 27, potentially to be implemented if Prime Minister Netanyahu forms a new government.

Further underscoring the potential economic impact, former Supervisor of Banks Yair Avidan told ynet that there is uncertainty regarding the scope and spread of sanctions. In an extreme scenario, he warned, sanctions could include the cessation of banking activities with major European banks, impacting Israel's financial system.