Israel's recent actions have shocked many observers, who had foreseen such behavior but were disregarded by its allies. Now, even these allies are beginning to distance themselves. In Gaza, the six-month mark has arrived, signaling a noticeable change in dynamics. The amnesty previously granted to the Israeli government following Hamas attacks is now on the verge of expiring. While the public, supporting a ceasefire since the outset of the Gaza conflict, had always anticipated a disaster, official circles—politicians and segments of the media—initially seemed to offer unquestionable support to Netanyahu and his administration in the aftermath of the Hamas assault.
The tide began to turn, perhaps triggered by the tragic killing of seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen. This shift may have been gradual, but it is undeniable: Israel's actions have become increasingly erratic and unpredictable. Over the past six months, both in rhetoric and actions, Israel has strayed from conventional norms, positioning itself not within the democratic community but as an outlier. Israel has alienated its allies and sponsors, disregarded warnings and rulings from international organizations, and undermined the stability of its allies' domestic politics.
On the ground, Israel's response has been characterized not only by disproportionate force but also by recklessness, trigger-happiness, and questionable intelligence and tactics. Reports from outlets like Haaretz reveal the establishment of "kill zones" in Gaza, where anyone crossing invisible lines risks being shot. Investigations by publications such as +972 and Local Call have uncovered a disturbing trend: the use of AI systems to identify targets, with a disturbing acceptance of civilian casualties as collateral damage during airstrikes. This mechanization of war, using "dumb bombs" to conserve resources, underscores a callous disregard for human life.
As Israel continues its onslaught on Gaza and defies international norms, it is damaging its own reputation, eroding trust in its military and political institutions, and depleting the reservoir of goodwill extended to it. The tolerance shown toward Israel, rooted in shared Western values and perceived manners, is wearing thin. The wanton killing of foreign aid workers with precision strikes has finally pushed Israel beyond the pale, marking it as a dangerous and uncontrollable entity even in the eyes of those who may have previously justified its actions.
