Why Is Europe Confronting Netanyahu Now?

Over the past weeks, several European nations have issued strong public condemnations of Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza. These countries have demanded an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access, rejecting the policy of starvation that has come to define Israel’s war.

The United Kingdom suspended its free trade negotiations with Israel, imposed sanctions on West Bank settlers, and warned of additional punitive measures. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy explicitly threatened Israel with further action if it fails to immediately allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.

This came on the heels of a joint statement by the UK, France, and Canada, warning Israel that:

“We will not stand by while Netanyahu’s government continues these outrageous actions.”

Simultaneously, the European Union voted by majority on May 20 to review its partnership agreement with Israel under international human rights criteria — a move that could pave the way for formal sanctions.

Spain’s parliament is now considering an arms trade embargo, and France, through Prime Minister François Bayrou, reaffirmed that recognition of the State of Palestine is inevitable.

A Late Awakening — But a Significant One

Yes, Europe’s response is delayed. And no, most European governments still avoid using words like genocide or ethnic cleansing. But this shift matters — because it’s coming from countries that have long served as Israel’s closest allies and protectors in global forums.

These same governments previously equated criticism of Israeli war crimes with antisemitism, relentlessly shielding Tel Aviv from legal and diplomatic accountability. Today, even they are no longer convinced.

The old Zionist narrative — of a victimised, democratic Israel “defending civilization” — is falling apart. In its place, a new image has taken hold: Israel as a child-killer, siege-enforcer, and violator of international law.

On May 21, a source in Israel’s foreign ministry told Yedioth Ahronoth:

“This is the worst diplomatic crisis we’ve ever faced. The world is no longer with us. We are in the middle of a tsunami.”

But Symbolic Pressure Is Not Enough

Despite the rhetorical shift, European measures remain insufficient. There are still no serious economic or military sanctions to force Israel to stop its campaign of mass starvation and destruction in Gaza.

Without real action, these condemnations risk being little more than self-preserving optics — designed to appease European publics without upsetting deeper geopolitical interests.

Yet the EU holds enormous leverage. Since 2000, Israel has enjoyed privileged access to European markets through a partnership agreement rooted in cooperation on trade, science, and development. Respect for human rights is a foundational clause of that agreement.

What’s Behind the Shift?

Several key factors are driving this transformation in Europe’s posture:

1. 1. Military Failure & Policy Stagnation in Tel Aviv
      Israel’s extreme-right government has failed to achieve any meaningful military outcome. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich openly called for the ethnic cleansing of Gaza, making clear that this war is about permanent displacement, not security.

1. 1. Mass Civilian Casualties & Public Outrage
      The killing and starving of civilians — particularly women and children — has sparked mass protests across Europe.

• • Over 500,000 people marched in London alone on May 17

• • Major demonstrations were also seen in Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Norway
    The moral credibility of Western governments is collapsing in real-time.

3. 3. The Decline of Western ‘Moral Authority’
      Israel’s unchecked brutality undermines the West’s long-claimed identity as a defender of human rights. European leaders are now scrambling to salvage their reputations by invoking international law — after 19 months of silence.

3. 3. Shifts in U.S. Policy
      Washington’s recent moves — including avoiding escalation with the Houthis, re-engaging with Syria, and showing daylight with Israel over Iran — have created space for Europe to diverge. The absence of U.S. criticism suggests tacit approval of Europe’s course correction.

An Opportunity for the Arab World

This shift presents a historic opening for Arab governments.

Europe has begun escalating pressure. Arab nations can — and must — go further:

• • Suspend normalisation efforts

• • Cut diplomatic and economic ties

• • Cease all military cooperation with Israel

If Europe, from thousands of kilometres away, can impose costs on the occupation, what’s stopping neighbouring states from doing more?

And if fear of U.S. retaliation once deterred bold action — that fear no longer holds. The U.S. has remained silent in the face of European condemnation. It has even signalled a desire to end the war.

The Stakes Are Too High for Silence

Israel’s continued assault on Gaza, its attempt to displace an entire people, and its destabilisation of the region must not be allowed to stand.

The Arab world has the resources, legitimacy, and leverage to change the course of this war. Using that power now would not only halt genocide — it would restore Arab dignity, protect regional stability, and force Washington and Tel Aviv to back down.