Israel is facing mounting diplomatic pressure from several of its traditional partners over its policies in the occupied Palestinian territories and military actions in the region, with Israeli media describing the country\u2019s international standing as increasingly strained.<\/p>\n
Israeli news outlet Ynet reported Friday that a series of statements and measures from Australia, Britain, Canada, Germany and other countries in recent days had highlighted Israel\u2019s growing international isolation, particularly in its relations with Europe.<\/p>\n
The report pointed to criticism over Israel\u2019s settlement plans in the occupied West Bank, its decision not to pursue a criminal investigation into the killing of seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid workers in Gaza, and its latest military action in Syria.<\/p>\n
Six European countries condemned Israel\u2019s plans for construction in the E1 area near the illegal Ma\u2019ale Adumim settlement, according to Ynet.<\/p>\n
The E1 project has long drawn international criticism because construction in the area would further fragment the occupied West Bank and undermine the territorial continuity of a future Palestinian state.<\/p>\n
Britain, meanwhile, is considering additional measures against Israel over the settlement plans, the report said.<\/p>\n
European officials have warned that construction in E1 poses an \u201cexistential threat\u201d to the two-state solution, though some have also expressed concern that punitive measures ahead of Israel\u2019s Oct. 27 election could strengthen Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing allies.<\/p>\n
Western countries condemn decision on WCK killings<\/p>\n
Australia, Britain and Canada also issued a joint condemnation after the Israeli military decided not to open a criminal investigation into the April 2024 strikes that killed seven WCK employees in Gaza.<\/p>\n
The three countries described the decision as \u201cshameful\u201d and said the victims and their families deserved justice and accountability.<\/p>\n
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong separately expressed \u201coutrage\u201d over the decision, while Canada called it \u201cunacceptable\u201d and Britain said it was \u201cappalled and angry\u201d on behalf of the families of three British nationals killed in the attack.<\/p>\n