'Israel' stops unfunded diplomacy ahead of UN, October 7 memorial
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The Israeli Foreign Ministry ordered missions to freeze unfunded activities, sparking anger before the UN General Assembly and the commemoration of October 7.
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People protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, in New York, on Friday, September 27, 2024 (AP)
The Israeli Foreign Ministry has ordered its missions worldwide to freeze all activities that have not yet been allocated funding, Channel 12 reported on Sunday, sparking an internal storm just days before the UN General Assembly and ahead of the anniversary of October 7's Operation al-Aqsa Flood.
The directive covers public diplomacy (hasbara), cultural events, and conferences, halting any initiative without a pre-approved budget. Exceptions include a special committee to approve urgent cases and memorial events marking October 7, which were given only a short window for approval.
Diplomats expressed anger at both the scope and timing of the move, warning that commitments already made to local partners may now be cancelled. “We are already isolated in the world, and now they’re trying to kill off the few remaining relationships,” one envoy told Channel 12.
The dispute comes as the Israeli occupation faces mounting international criticism over its war on Gaza and as the Foreign Ministry grapples with a growing workload. Officials said the ministry, despite receiving an extra half-billion shekels in funding last year, is being pressed to consolidate resources for “unprecedented projects” such as expanding missions from 25 to 300 and running major influencer-led campaigns.
Israeli advisor warns of growing isolation
Barak Sari, a prominent Israeli strategic advisor at the occupation's Channel 12, warned back in July of "Israel's" international isolation, citing rising hostility from allies, the spread of boycott movements, and a collapsing global image due to the war on Gaza and inflammatory domestic political rhetoric.
In a post on his X account, Sari revealed that a call from an Israeli friend living in the United States highlighted the shifting perceptions of "Israel": "Our best friends have begun to see Israel as a gang of monsters. The American media is slaughtering us, and the situation on the networks is frightening," he said, quoting the conversation reported by Israeli newspaper Maariv.
Sari noted that his business partners in the US are becoming increasingly alienated and uneasy with "Israel’s" actions and public image.
The concern, according to Sari, is not confined to the United States. He stressed that "the situation in Europe is worse," describing what he views as a "complete political collapse." This, he said, is reflected in growing criticism over alleged war crimes, the rapid rise of boycott campaigns, and the erosion of "Israel’s" legitimacy at both institutional and popular levels.
