Ahead of elections, Israel tests West's patience on West Bank violence

As Israel's October elections approach, tensions with Western allies have reached a breaking point over the deteriorating situation in the West Bank. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government is expanding Israeli settlements, which are considered illegal under international law, while daily reports of settler attacks on Palestinians have triggered international outrage.

Britain's Foreign Secretary Liz Truss declared on Tuesday that the UK would implement significant changes to its policy towards Israel's West Bank construction, promising a comprehensive set of measures within weeks. France's Foreign Minister also called for the EU to ban trade with settlements, deeming the surge in West Bank violence an "unacceptable affront to the dignity of the Palestinian people."

A European diplomat, speaking on the condition of anonymity, expressed deep concern over the "unprecedented level of settler violence" in the West Bank, noting that the situation does not appear to be addressed with the seriousness expected. Another European diplomat in Jerusalem stated that while there is political will to preserve a two-state solution, Israel has pushed most red lines, raising doubts about the viability of a Palestinian state.

Experts suggest that the UK's measures will likely target individuals and organizations directly involved in settlement expansion rather than imposing broader sanctions. However, the European Union, as Israel's biggest trading partner, faces challenges in implementing bloc-wide measures, requiring unanimous agreement among EU member states.

The United States remains Israel's most crucial diplomatic and military ally, but European diplomatic efforts are likely to be delayed due to fears of interference and the potential to galvanize Netanyahu's right-wing base ahead of the elections. Israel's strained relationship with traditional allies has been further exacerbated by inflammatory rhetoric from Israeli officials.

In June, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar severed all contacts with the EU's top diplomat following her alleged comparison of Israel to apartheid-era South Africa. Saar has since vowed retaliation, reportedly considering expelling EU diplomats. Despite Israel's claims that the threats are "empty guns," the deteriorating ties between Israel and Europe are deemed on hold until after the elections, with all parties hoping for a change in leadership.