Israel's Global Reputation Crumbles Amid Gaza Takeover Plan

Israel’s international standing is collapsing as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushes for a full military takeover of Gaza, worsening a humanitarian crisis and fueling global outrage. Despite Israel’s claims of adhering to democratic principles and international law, its actions in Gaza and the West Bank have drawn widespread accusations of war crimes, severely damaging its credibility.

A 2025 Pew Research poll reveals deep international disapproval, with unfavorable views of Israel in the Netherlands (78%), Japan (79%), Spain (75%), Australia (74%), Turkiye (93%), and Sweden (75%). Images of starving children and mass destruction in Gaza have amplified global dismay. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, charging them with war crimes and crimes against humanity. Human rights groups like Amnesty International and UN reports citing over 40,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023 and 1.9 million displaced accuse Israel of genocide.

Western allies are stepping back. France plans to recognize Palestinian statehood in September 2025, with the UK, Canada, and Germany indicating similar moves. Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has signaled recognition is near. Spain and Sweden are pushing to suspend the EU’s trade agreement with Israel, while the Netherlands has branded Israel a “security threat” for alleged disinformation campaigns.

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Within Israel, dissent is growing. Former Prime Ministers Ehud Olmert and Ehud Barak have condemned Netanyahu’s policies as catastrophic, and 500 retired security officials have urged U.S. President Donald Trump to press for a ceasefire. Israel’s reliance on U.S. military aid, worth $3.8 billion annually, is under scrutiny, with a Gallup poll showing only 45% of Americans view Israel favorably. Even Trump allies like Steve Bannon and Marjorie Taylor Greene question the extent of U.S. support.

Israeli public opinion remains divided. A Channel 12 poll shows 74% support a deal to end the war for hostages, but a 2025 Pew poll indicates only 16% of Jewish Israelis believe peaceful coexistence with a Palestinian state is possible. A separate survey found 82% back expelling Palestinians from Gaza, reflecting a hardline shift.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is dire, with the UN reporting 96% of the population facing food insecurity and 500,000 at risk of starvation. Netanyahu’s limited aid concessions are deemed insufficient, and his takeover plan, which could lead to annexing Gaza and the West Bank, threatens to eliminate the two-state solution.

Without U.S. alignment with global demands for a ceasefire, Israel risks further isolation, straining its alliances and jeopardling long-term instability in an increasingly divided world.

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