Ever since October 7, one narrative has become almost conventional wisdom: Israel is increasingly isolated from the rest of the world. It is repeated by international commentators, amplified on social media, cited by critics of Israel and, perhaps most surprisingly, echoed by many of Israel’s own supporters.

It was made most recently by potential US presidential candidate Rahm Emanuel.

The daily news cycle, dominated by hostile demonstrations, condemnatory UN resolutions and public disagreements with some Western governments, reinforces the impression that Israel is rapidly becoming a diplomatic pariah.

It is an understandable conclusion; it is also an incomplete one.

The danger is not merely that this narrative is inaccurate. It is that it has become so widely accepted that it is beginning to shape perceptions of reality. Those perceptions matter. They affect deterrence, embolden Israel’s enemies, influence investors, discourage potential partners and undermine the confidence of Israelis themselves. When even well-meaning friends repeat that Israel stands alone, they unintentionally strengthen one of the central messages promoted by Hamas, Iran and their allies.

The reality is considerably more nuanced.

Behind the headlines, governments across the world are quietly moving closer to Israel, not further away. While criticism over the war in Gaza has undoubtedly intensified in many diplomatic forums, an entirely different story is unfolding in cabinet rooms, defense ministries and boardrooms.

Countries continue to buy Israeli defense systems. Intelligence cooperation is expanding. Trade is growing. New technological partnerships are being signed. Governments are increasingly separating disagreements over the Gaza conflict from their own long-term national interests.

International politics has always been driven less by rhetoric than by interests.

One of the greatest mistakes in analysing........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)