Gaza war: Netanyahu admits Israel facing international isolation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged on Monday that Israel is facing growing international isolation amid mounting criticism of its war in Gaza and the policies of his far-right government.

Speaking at a Finance Ministry conference, Netanyahu said Israel was “entering a kind of isolation” and would need to increasingly adapt to an economy built on self-sufficiency.

“We are in a sort of political isolation and must act accordingly,” Israel’s economic daily The Marker quoted him as saying. He added that Israel must enhance domestic weapons production to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

His remarks follow recent decisions by several Western nations, including the UK, Spain and Canada, to halt arms exports to Israel. Other countries, among them France, Norway and Australia, are expected to support recognition of Palestinian statehood at the upcoming UN General Assembly session.

The comments drew sharp criticism from Israeli opposition leaders. Former prime minister and opposition leader Yair Lapid called Netanyahu’s admission “insane,” arguing that the country’s isolation was the result of “failed policies.” Yair Golan, leader of the opposition Democrats party and a former deputy army chief, said Netanyahu was sacrificing Israel’s economy and global standing to preserve his leadership.

The admission comes as Israel continues its military offensive in Gaza, where Palestinian health authorities report nearly 65,000 deaths since October 2023. Israel is also facing international legal challenges, including a genocide case at the International Court of Justice and arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant.