Could a leadership change undo Israel's international isolation?

"Opposition leaders hope to end Israel's isolation, even as they retain policies towards Palestinians that led to it. Israeli opposition leaders Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have united in an attempt to defeat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and lead Israel's next government. But while they have lots to criticise Netanyahu about, they have few qualms with his wars in Gaza and the rest of the region."

"Those wars in particular the genocide in Gaza, with more than 72,000 Palestinians killed have made Israel more unpopular than ever internationally. But Bennett and Lapid, both former prime ministers, seem to be betting that they will be able to rehabilitate Israel's global reputation if they get into power in elections that must take place before the end of October."

"Launching the bid for government in April, Bennett, who is on Israel's far-right politically, promised voters an era of correction, one where professionals who think only of the good of Israel would lead the country, rather than the division and isolation brought in by Netanyahu. Internationally, Israel finds itself more isolated than ever before."

"A United Nations commission has determined that Israel has in fact committed genocide in Gaza. In Europe, numerous countries, such as Spain, Norway, and the Republic of Ireland, have been outspoken in their criticism of Israel, with pressure growing from within the European Union to suspend the bloc's trade pact with Israel. Even within the population of its most stalwart ally, the United States, polls repeatedly point to both sides of the political divide growing increasingly angry with Israel's multiple wars and its apparent influence over US politics. And, of course, Netanyahu is wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes."

Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have united to defeat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and form Israel’s next government. They criticize Netanyahu’s division and isolation but show few qualms about his wars in Gaza and the wider region. Israel’s international standing has deteriorated sharply, driven by the Gaza war and allegations of genocide, including a United Nations commission finding genocide in Gaza. European countries such as Spain, Norway, and Ireland have increased criticism, with pressure within the European Union to suspend a trade pact with Israel. In the United States, polls show growing anger across political divides over Israel’s wars and perceived influence on US politics. Netanyahu also faces an International Criminal Court war-crimes case, further deepening isolation.

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