More than half the delegates left the UN General Assembly as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began speaking. The walkout highlighted Israel’s growing diplomatic isolation, as European criticism rises, though its core US ties remain largely intact.
The UK, France and others recently imposed sanctions targeting settlement goods, while Spain, Ireland and Norway have moved to recognize a Palestinian state. Former Israeli diplomat Dan Arbell said EU import sanctions are unlikely to materially affect Israel’s economy, but public pressure is making governments less willing to separate other ties from Israel’s conduct. Spain canceled a major defense deal with Israeli manufacturers in 2025 and downgraded relations in March, withdrawing its ambassador.
Gallup polling cited in the report found that, for the first time since its annual question began in 2001, more Americans sympathize with Palestinians than Israelis, although the Trump administration remains supportive and core US-Israel ties are largely intact. Israel is seeking other partners: it agreed with Morocco to upgrade diplomatic missions to full embassies and expand economic ties and direct flights. Israelis vote Oct. 27; Netanyahu’s Likud party and far-right coalition are trailing in polls, though Yaakov Katz said isolation is unlikely to swing many votes.
