Israel's growing challenges in 2024 Economic struggles and global condemnation

The Foreign Policy article outlines the significant challenges facing Israel, highlighting a range of internal and external issues that threaten its stability.

The nation is grappling with a deepening domestic divide, an unwinnable conflict in Gaza, and potential expansion of warfare with Hezbollah or Iran. Economically, Israel is struggling, with reports indicating up to 60,000 businesses may close this year, and its global image is deteriorating rapidly.

The article discusses how Israel's aggressive military actions in Gaza and the West Bank have eroded international support, despite initial sympathy following the October 2023 Hamas attacks. The International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice have accused Israeli leaders of war crimes and described their actions as genocidal, further damaging Israel's standing on the global stage.

The piece argues that the roots of Israel's current strategic failures lie in its historical decisions. Post-1967, Israel's occupation and settlement expansion in the West Bank and Gaza, part of its "Greater Israel" ambition, have led to significant internal contradictions. The occupation has created a demographic and political dilemma, challenging Israel’s identity as a Jewish state while maintaining a democratic system.

Israel’s strategic errors are illustrated through historical examples, such as the failure to capitalize on peace opportunities with Egypt in the 1970s and the costly 1982 invasion of Lebanon, which eventually led to the rise of Hezbollah. The article also critiques the failure to resolve the Palestinian issue despite various peace efforts, noting that Israel’s refusal to halt settlement expansion and its resistance to a viable two-state solution have perpetuated conflict.

Another example of strategic misjudgment is Israel’s opposition to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Despite the deal’s ability to delay Iran’s nuclear ambitions, hard-line Israeli factions opposed it, leading to its collapse and bringing Iran closer to acquiring nuclear weapons.

The article suggests that Israel’s decline in strategic acumen is partly due to its perceived impunity, backed by unwavering U.S. support, and a shift towards messianic and shortsighted policies. This misalignment not only jeopardizes Israel’s future but also affects U.S. interests, potentially inspiring anti-American sentiments and undermining America's global standing.

To address these issues, the article advocates for a reassessment of U.S. support for Israel and calls for a more critical approach to Israeli policies. However, it notes that the current trajectory seems unlikely to change soon, leading to continued conflict and instability.