High-profile case10/9/2026

International Criminal Court Warrants, Sanctions and Boycotts: How Israel’s International Isolation Grew

Following the wave of international support in the fall of 2023, Israel faced legal proceedings, personal sanctions, restrictions on trade and arms exports, as well as academic and cultural boycotts. A Zman.co.il review describes these measures and the Israeli government’s response.

Key facts

•South Africa’s case against Israel at the United Nations’ International Court of Justice—December 29, 2023
•International Criminal Court warrants for the arrest of Netanyahu and Gallant—November 21, 2024
•Sanctions by five countries against Ben-Gvir and Smotrich—June 10, 2025
•Approximately 30 British export licenses were suspended on September 2, 2024
•545 million shekels were approved for the Foreign Ministry’s public diplomacy activities abroad
•Israel’s defense exports in 2025—$19.2 billion

The Proceedings in The Hague

On December 29, 2023, South Africa filed a case against Israel with the United Nations’ International Court of Justice, relying on the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. On January 26, 2024, the Court ordered Israel to take provisional measures to prevent acts covered by the Convention, curb and punish incitement, and ensure humanitarian assistance, but it did not order an end to the war. On May 24, 2024, the Court, by a vote of 13 to 2, demanded an immediate halt to the military offensive in the Rafah area, which could create conditions leading to the destruction of the Palestinians in Gaza, in whole or in part, and that the Rafah crossing be kept open. According to the source, proceedings in South Africa’s case are ongoing.

International Criminal Court Warrants

On November 21, 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The source stated that the allegations concern the war crime of using starvation as a method of warfare, as well as crimes against humanity—murder, persecution and other inhumane acts. In April 2025, the Appeals Chamber remanded Israel’s challenge to the Court’s jurisdiction for reconsideration, but the warrants remained in force. States Parties to the International Criminal Court are obligated to arrest Netanyahu upon his entry into their territory, although some countries take differing positions on the question of immunity.

Sanctions Against Ministers and Organizations

On June 10, 2025, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway imposed sanctions on National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The stated reason was that the two had repeatedly incited violence against Palestinian civilians; the measures included asset freezes and entry bans. Previously, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Canada and Australia had imposed restrictions on certain settlers and organizations over violence in the West Bank and the obstruction of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The U.S. sanctions, imposed under Executive Order No. 14115 of February 1, 2024, were revoked by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025.

Arms, Trade and Diplomatic Relations

On September 2, 2024, the United Kingdom suspended approximately 30 arms export licenses for Israel for use in Gaza, due to a clear risk of serious violations of international humanitarian law; no full embargo was imposed. Turkey halted all trade with Israel in May 2024, and Spain later enshrined an arms embargo and a ban on imports of products from the settlements. Bolivia, Belize, Colombia and Nicaragua severed or suspended diplomatic relations, although Bolivia later restored them, and Israel and Colombia agreed to restore theirs. At the same time, Israel’s defense exports reached a record $19.2 billion in 2025, which, according to the source, means that it is not possible to speak of a comprehensive international economic boycott.

Recognition of Palestine, Boycotts and the Government’s Response

On May 28, 2024, Spain, Ireland and Norway recognized the State of Palestine; in September 2025, they were joined by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France and additional countries. Some universities ended or restricted cooperation with Israeli institutions, and representatives from the film and literary fields called for a cultural boycott. The Israeli government allocated additional resources to public diplomacy: for 2025, 545 million shekels were approved for the Foreign Ministry, and on December 1, 2025, the Knesset Finance Committee approved the transfer of approximately 150 million shekels from the higher-education budget item—90 million for a public diplomacy campaign and 60 million for visits by influencers from abroad.

What this means for you

For Israeli citizens, the consequences may be felt first and foremost in travel abroad, international payments, academic and professional collaborations, as well as in companies’ activities with foreign partners. The International Criminal Court warrants directly concern the named officeholders, and the personal sanctions concern the individuals and organizations included on the lists; they are not equivalent to a general ban on travel or activities for all Israelis. However, the expansion of restrictions increases the requirements imposed by foreign banks, universities and companies for due diligence on transaction counterparties and the origin of goods.

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