EU Diplomat Warns of "Tsunami of Sanctions" Against Israel Post-Election

A senior European diplomat, speaking anonymously, has warned that European dissatisfaction with Israel has reached unprecedented levels, citing settler violence and ongoing settlement construction as key drivers. The diplomat stated that while EU countries have held back from imposing harsher measures due to Israel's upcoming elections, a significant shift is expected afterward. "No government in the world has caused such serious damage to a country in such a short time. This is simply the destruction of value," the diplomat remarked, criticizing the lack of action against settler violence and the expansion of settlements.

The diplomat questioned Israel's inability to stop what he described as a "handful of people" involved in settler violence, suggesting it undermines the country's legitimacy. He also highlighted the displacement of thousands of Palestinians from their homes on the West Bank, attributing these "terrible things" to the Israeli government's consent or negligence. "What did you expect? That your friends would sit idly by and allow this to happen?" the diplomat asked.

Describing Israel as more isolated than ever, the diplomat pointed to actions by the UK and 12 other countries against settlements, noting the US did not condemn them. He reiterated that settler violence is causing immense damage and eroding Israel's legitimacy. The diplomat predicted that following the elections, EU countries, which have refrained from new sanctions due to the vote, will "descend upon them" with a "tsunami of sanctions."

Furthermore, the diplomat warned that if the current trajectory continues, Israel risks becoming an apartheid state akin to South Africa. He also criticized Israeli Foreign Minister Gideion Saar's sharp responses to the UK and Netherlands, suggesting they stem from domestic political considerations rather than security needs and could provoke harsher European reactions. The diplomat emphasized Europe's greater capacity to harm Israel than vice versa, stating, "You are much more in need of us for your security than we are of you for your security."

He also expressed disappointment in Israel's perceived ingratitude towards the UK, whose pilots reportedly intercepted around 100 drones heading to Israel during a recent conflict, especially given Israel's decision to close the British consulate in Jerusalem with only one month's notice, a move the diplomat deemed unusually short compared to Russia's four-month notice for a similar closure. The diplomat concluded by urging Israelis to recognize the damage being inflicted by their current government, specifically mentioning Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich as acting wildly while Prime Minister Netanyahu loses control.