Ex-Envoy Warns of Apartheid-Like Isolation for Israel

Former Israeli Ambassador to France and Italy, Avi Pazner, has cautioned that the current Israeli government's policies could lead the nation into unprecedented political isolation, sanctions, and boycotts, drawing a parallel to the apartheid regime in South Africa during the late 1980s. Pazner, who also served as a media advisor to former Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir, conveyed these concerns in internal communications among former Israeli Foreign Ministry officials, as reported by Ynet on Monday.

Pazner recalled South Africa's experience in the mid-1980s, when economic and political sanctions contributed to the collapse of its apartheid system by the early 1990s. He noted that while sanctions are currently limited to the West Bank, a victory for the current coalition in upcoming elections would, in his view, propel Israel into a new era of sanctions and boycotts extending beyond occupied territories to the entire country.

These warnings emerge amidst reports of intensified customs inspections on luggage from Israel at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport. The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a travel advisory for Israelis heading to the Netherlands, citing potential "long and humiliating luggage inspections." This follows a Dutch decision, effective immediately, prohibiting the import of goods originating from the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, with violations punishable by fines or imprisonment.

Political analyst Nahum Barnea of Yedioth Ahronoth echoed these concerns, suggesting that several Western European nations, previously considered strong allies, are preparing to impose significant sanctions on Israel. Barnea indicated that these measures are being held in reserve until October 27, the date of the Israeli elections, implying they would be implemented if Benjamin Netanyahu forms a government.

Furthermore, former Inspector of Banks in Israel, Yair Avidan, expressed apprehension about potential sanctions impacting Israel's banking sector. Discussions are reportedly underway in several countries, particularly in Europe, regarding restrictions on Israeli companies and its financial system. Avidan stated there is uncertainty regarding the scope of these sanctions, but in an extreme scenario, they could include halting banking activities with major European banks. These deliberations are occurring in the context of settler violence in the West Bank and the ongoing war in Gaza, reflecting Israeli fears that measures targeting activities in occupied areas could expand to encompass Israel's broader economic and financial sectors.