NOTWe, former ambassadors and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who have had the pride of dedicating our lives to the representation of Israel abroad, to the service of Israel, its democracy and its values, wish to express here our deep concern about the serious consequences of what appears to be the policy of the next government on Israel’s relations with other countries, its international image and its vital interests abroad.
This concern is amplified by the public statements of senior government and Knesset figures, by various reports suggesting changes in Israeli policy in Judea and Samaria/West Bank, by the possible adoption of extremist and discriminatory laws that would oppress minorities, and by the risk of attacks on Israel’s freedom of expression and democratic values.
Over the years, we have been entrusted with the mandate to pursue, consolidate, strengthen and advance Israel’s strategic, political, security and economic interests around the world. You are no doubt well aware of the crucial importance of these international relations for the resilience of Israel, of the magnitude of the multiple crises that we have had to manage and overcome, and of the results that we have achieved on behalf of the successive Israeli governments, in our capacity as dedicated and experienced servants of the state.
Undermining Israel’s legitimacy
As former diplomats, with a unique knowledge of the international community, international organizations, world Jewry, the media and public opinion around the world, we fear that this recent development will provoke a reaction very negative on the part of the international community, or seriously damaging Israel’s strategic relations, in particular with the United States of America, potentially harming the Abraham Accords and leading to the adoption of anti-Israeli measures, in particular particular sanctions by key international actors, including courts, and other measures directed against Israel, its government, its soldiers and its citizens. The damage would also be significant to the close ties between Israel and Jewish communities around the world, as well as to Israel’s image internationally, leading to various political and economic repercussions.
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