European Media Closely Covers Israeli Elections Amid Crypto Controversy

European media outlets are extensively covering the upcoming Israeli elections, a topic of significant interest across the continent. Israel has become a central issue in European public discourse over the past three years, fueling weekly protests, constant media reports, and featuring prominently in election campaigns from Berlin to London. Recent headlines have focused on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks about using cryptocurrency to circumvent international financial sanctions. Bloomberg reported Netanyahu's statement about working on crypto solutions, which drew criticism from the opposition, who argued it signaled Israel's global isolation, likening it to tactics used by Russia or Venezuela. The Financial Times noted that the Bank of Israel sharply criticized these remarks, emphasizing the need to maintain trade and economic relations with key partners.

In Germany, in-depth analyses of Israel's political future are being published. Der Spiegel's podcast explored the possibility of "the end of the Netanyahu era," discussing scenarios where no bloc achieves a coalition majority, potentially altering Israel's governance. Conversely, Handelsblatt presented three scenarios where Netanyahu remains in power, including unexpected election results, a rotation agreement, or the collapse of the opposition bloc.

German media coverage highlights a growing disconnect, with support for Israel waning among center-left parties and rising influence of populist parties on both the right and left, who feel less bound by traditional ties to Jerusalem. The leader of the far-right AfD party called for an end to "double standards" regarding Israel. Die Zeit introduced Gadi Eisenkot as a key challenger to Netanyahu, characterizing his party as a product of political erosion and noting Eisenkot's platform primarily relies on his biography.

In France, the Israeli issue is often examined through the lens of relations with Arab states and the impact on the large Jewish community. Franco-Israeli relations have become increasingly strained, marked by boycotts of Israeli defense companies, arms sales bans, diplomatic opposition, and French efforts to recognize a Palestinian state. Le Monde featured an article on the "Greater Israel" vision of activists seeking settlements in southern Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, while Swiss newspaper NZZ focused on Daniella Weiss's call to reestablish settlements in Gaza.

In the UK, The Times questioned whether the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community would be kingmakers in the post-election coalition, discussing social divisions over conscription and Haredi lifestyle. The Financial Times profiled Eisenkot as a former IDF chief of staff challenging Netanyahu, noting that many Israelis view these elections as the most critical in the nation's history, with the 66-year-old politician having the best chance to unseat the prime minister.

European media also assessed the elections' impact on the continent. Politico Europe suggested Netanyahu's re-election could increase the risk of an attack on Iran, while EUObserver pointed out that opposition candidates also oppose a Palestinian state, indicating potential future confrontation with the EU. Pan-European polls show a significant decline in favorability towards Israel, with net favorability ratings dropping sharply in countries like Germany, Italy, Denmark, and Spain. European leaders are exercising caution in their statements regarding the Israeli elections to avoid becoming targets of anti-European campaigns. However, the British government and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband recently announced a "reset" in relations, initiated a Western statement on settlement sanctions, and discussed financial sanctions against Israeli banks involved in settlement construction, leading to a severe diplomatic crisis with Israel.