Israel’s Growing Global Isolation Amid Gaza Conflict Impacts Economy, Culture, and Sports

Israel’s global isolation is intensifying amid the conflict and humanitarian challenges in Gaza. The economy, culture, and sports are under pressure from the international community and changes in the country’s strategic ties.

Following the initiation of a ground offensive on Gaza and strikes against Hamas leaders in neighboring territories, global criticism has sharpened. An independent UN investigation for the first time documented grounds for conclusions of genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, though the Israeli government denies this.

The EU, Israel’s main trading partner, considered sanctions that could suspend part of the benefits under the free trade agreement if they support member countries. Several Western states have already imposed restrictive measures against specific Israeli individuals, settlements, and organizations that support violence in the West Bank.

The global reaction has also affected Israel’s economy and its international ties: a decline in investment and pressure on export markets.

In August, Norway, the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund, announced the sale of part of its assets in Israel due to the intensification of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Additionally, the country faces partial or total bans on arms deliveries by France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, and others due to events in Gaza.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged earlier this month that Israel has fallen under the influence of a “kind of isolation” that could last for years. He stressed the need to develop the defense industry and adapt the economy to reduce dependence on external trade, though he later clarified that the discussion mostly concerns the defense sector.

Cultural and Sporting Consequences

In Europe, discussions continue about a possible boycott of Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates. Ireland’s national broadcaster RTÉ said that Ireland’s participation would be unwarranted in light of the deaths of people in Gaza.

KAN 11 said it would continue selecting a participant for 2026 and stressed that the music show should not become politics. The European broadcaster-organizer of Eurovision (EBU) noted that member countries will vote in November on participation in the next year. Israel has participated in Eurovision since 1973.

The Ghent Festival in Belgium canceled a concert by Israeli conductor Lava Shani due to doubts about his position regarding the regime in Tel Aviv.

The Israeli government denies genocide accusations and emphasizes that the war is conducted in self-defense and in accordance with international law.

In Hollywood, thousands of cinematographers, actors, and film industry workers joined a pledge not to work with Israeli institutions “involved in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian population.” Among the signatories are Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, Andrew Garfield, and Hannah Einbinder, who recently concluded a speech at the Emmys with the phrase “free Palestine.”

Sports have not been left out either: in Spain, organizers and athletes faced restrictions on Israeli athletes competing under the country’s flag in competitions, which led some tournaments to withdraw, Reuters reports.

Concerns are rising about Israel’s possible suspension from European football tournaments. In August, UEFA responded after a banner appeared before the Super Cup final bearing the words “Stop killing children, Stop killing civilians,” without naming Israel directly. Israel’s Minister of Culture and Sport, Miki Zohar, said the government had been working behind the scenes to avoid Israel’s exclusion from UEFA.

Several Premier League players, including Mohamed Salah of Liverpool, have also spoken out against the war in Gaza and urged solidarity with the Palestinian people.

The economic and cultural pressure is creating a mood akin to the South African boycott era of apartheid, underscoring growing international criticism of Israel’s policy.

“Symbolism has a greater impact than bolts and numbers.”

“Eurovision is incredibly popular, as are football tournaments. And even when you consider the link between pressure on Israel in politics and culture and sport – it will have an impact.”

“Stop killing children, stop killing civilians.”

“I think the president’s remarks speak for themselves on this. He did not like how things happened. Yet our relations with Israel will remain strong.”

Despite growing isolation, the United States maintains its support for Israel, influencing global diplomacy and shaping paths toward peace and the protection of human rights in the region.