The Israeli government’s reaction to British sanctions on products from the West Bank reminds me of Pam Bondi’s and Kash Patel’s conduct during Senate hearings. Both appeared defiant and contemptuous toward Democratic senators, perhaps believing they had the backing of Donald Trump, whom I regard as a global master of political corruption. Benjamin Netanyahu seems to have adopted a similar mindset, without recognising what happened to Pam Bondi.
As Clint Eastwood’s character remarked in one of his films, “A man’s got to know his limitations.” The line was directed at someone who tried to overpower him by pointing a pistol at his head while they were driving—only to be thrown out of the car with his own weapon. Another analogy would be that of a whipworm trying to expand its neck and form a cobra’s hood.
Not so long ago, Britain ruled an empire that covered much of the world. It eventually relinquished its dominant position to the United States, but it was not defeated by America. British political institutions have influenced much of the world, and the British military remains a significant global force, although Britain has generally adopted a less aggressive approach toward other countries. Even after Brexit, Europe—with a population of more than 450 million and one of the world’s largest economies—continues to rely partly on British military capabilities for its security.
Israel, a country of roughly nine million people whose borders remain disputed and which is still not recognised by a number of states, should be cautious about dictating terms or issuing threats to a country such as Britain. Netanyahu appears to believe that the Labour government is no match for his far-right ideology. Ironically, the British minister who announced the sanctions against Israel is himself Jewish.
