Fracturing of Israel's long-held partnerships under increasing European influence
European Diplomacy Shifts toward Criticism of Israel in Response to Gaza Conflict
Amidst growing condemnation from several of Israel's longstanding allies, a significant transformation in Europe’s relationship with the Middle Eastern nation is unfolding. This shift comes in response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Following the deadly Gaza conflict in May 2025, Europe seems to be reevaluating its bond with Israel, prompting urgent calls for an immediate ceasefire, denouncing civilian casualties, and threatening to impose penalties.
The United Kingdom has stepped up to the plate, placing sanctions on individuals and entities linked to settlement expansion in the West Bank and halting negotiations regarding free trade with Israel. In a joint statement issued on May 20, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that further punitive measures would be implemented if Israel persists in obstructing humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza. Their announcement followed France and Canada in expressing their concern over Israel's actions in Gaza.
The European Union (EU) has taken a closer look at its long-standing Association Agreement with Israel, with 17 of its 27 member states supporting the examination. French Prime Minister François Bayrou revealed that France, Britain, and Canada are vowing to support the official recognition of a Palestinian state, while the Spanish parliament voiced intentions to examine legislation prohibiting military exports to Israel.
Such measures represent a major departure from the Europe's traditional unwavering support for Israel, often shielding it from global scrutiny. Moreover, criticisms of Israel have historically been dismissed as antisemitic. The shift in tone suggests a growing unease among Western countries about the magnitude of crimes being committed in Gaza and a disintegration of Israel's conventional defense narrative.
Israel is grappling with the consequences of this evolving diplomatic landscape. According to a source from Israel's Foreign Ministry, the situation is "unprecedented" and "rapidly deteriorating." The source described it as a "diplomatic crisis of unparalleled proportions."
Critics argue that the European measures thus far have mostly been symbolic, with tangible measures and economic pressure to halt the perceived campaign of collective punishment and food crisis in Gaza still lacking. Europe's condemnations could be seen as a mere attempt to preserve credibility without any real repercussions if no significant action follows.
Several factors have contributed to Europe's abrupt change of heart. While the current Netanyahu administration continues to escalate and senior officials like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich advocate for the displacement of Palestinians, Israel's prolonged military offensive has not resulted in any strategic advancements. Simultaneously, European public opinion has been galvanized by harrowing portrayals of human suffering. Over half a million people protested Israel's actions in London alone on May 17.
[1] European Union press release: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/05/20-israel-palestinian-territories/[2] European Commission factsheet: https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/factsheets/files/israel-palestinian-territories_en.pdf[3] Council of the European Union press release: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/05/18-mideast-peace/[4] European Parliament resolution on the situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/RC-9-2025-0268_EN.html
- The ongoing conflict in Gaza has sparked intense scrutiny of Israel's actions, leading to a change in Europe's political stance, with several member states voicing criticism and threatening sanctions.
- Economic ties between Europe and Israel are being reconsidered, as the European Union is examining its Association Agreement and debating the possible prohibition of military exports to Israel.
- In the realm of finance, some European countries, such as the UK and France, have imposed sanctions on individuals and entities linked to settlement expansion in the West Bank, signifying a shift in their business relationships with Israel.
- The evolving discourse in entertainment and news media has played a significant role in shaping public opinion in Europe, with harrowing portrayals of human suffering in Gaza leading to mass protests across European cities, such as London.
