Global Sanctions Movement against Israel Gains Momentum amid Gaza War

Public opinion and governments across Europe and beyond are increasingly aligning with Palestinians, with economic, cultural, military, and diplomatic isolation against Israel accelerating.

What began as protests in major cities worldwide has evolved into official boycotts, canceled contracts, and bans from international events.

Companies, NGOs, and political leaders now view cutting ties with Israel as a mark of legitimacy rather than risk.

Reports from Hebrew-language outlets confirm that Israeli firms have faced a “silent boycott” from foreign partners fearful of reputational damage.

But after the war’s second year, with Palestinian deaths surpassing 65,000, that quiet reluctance has turned into open rejection.

In Europe, cultural and sporting organizations are moving to exclude Israel.

The Netherlands threatened to boycott Eurovision if Israel participates, joining Ireland and Slovenia.

Over 1,200 Hollywood figures signed a statement condemning Israel’s “genocide and apartheid,” later growing to 4,000 signatories.

More than 400 musicians demanded removal of their work from Israeli platforms, declaring that “culture must resist normalization of crimes against humanity.”

UEFA has begun discussions on banning Israeli teams from European competitions, echoing the treatment of Russia.

Spain has escalated pressure by canceling Israeli military contracts worth nearly €1 billion and banning Israeli-linked ships from docking.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Madrid would not allow its ports to serve “Israel’s war machine.”

Public protests have disrupted Israeli participation in events, while Spain’s defense ministry scrapped multiple arms deals, including Rafael’s Spike missiles.

Britain has also imposed limits, barring Israeli officers from training at its Royal College of Defence Studies and blocking Israel’s defense ministry from attending the DSEI arms fair in London.

Earlier this year, Israeli firms were also barred from the Paris Air Show.

Italy expelled Israel from its largest tourism expo after local officials denounced promoting “war zones as holiday destinations.”

In Asia, the Philippines announced it would not proceed with Israeli arms purchases, breaking with its past record as one of Israel’s biggest defense clients.

The move highlights growing pressure on Israel’s arms exports, a key pillar of its economy.

Economically, the isolation is deepening.

Turkey has ended all trade with Israel, banned Israeli ships from its ports, and demanded assurances that vessels passing through Turkish waters are not carrying arms to Israel.

The decision has blocked even indirect shipments, cutting a major commercial lifeline.

Israeli exporters now face canceled contracts across Europe and the United States.

According to Israel’s Manufacturers Association, 71% of exporters report lost deals for political reasons.

Over half say new clients refuse to cooperate.

Problems in logistics, customs delays, and canceled orders are widespread.

A senior Israeli exporter admitted: “We are condemned to complete isolation. We feel sidelined everywhere.”

Even credit agencies are raising alarms.

Moody’s analysts visiting Israel warned that soaring war costs, rising debt, and lost revenues from shrinking exports pose a severe risk to Israel’s financial stability.

Israel’s own defense industry executives admit the crisis is unprecedented.

Boaz Levy, head of Israel Aerospace Industries, said: “What we are experiencing now has one code name: sanctions. It is not only about refusal to buy Israeli products, but also refusal to supply us with critical components.”

The widening sanctions movement, spanning culture, sports, trade, and defense, marks the most serious international isolation Israel has faced in decades.

For many, it signals the early stages of a coordinated global embargo against what globally called an apartheid and genocidal regime.