Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acknowledged Israel faces international isolation and called for developing domestic war industries during a Jerusalem conference with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The PM stated Israel must adapt to an economy with "autarchic characteristics" and enhance local production capabilities for military needs.
The diplomatic isolation follows Israel's recent attack on Doha, which prompted Arab countries to call for sanctions against Tel Aviv. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans to partially suspend the EU-Israel association agreement and sanction ministers from Netanyahu's government.
Netanyahu rejected responsibility for the isolation, instead accusing "certain states" of orchestrating hatred against Israel, specifically naming China and Qatar. He also cited Muslim immigrants in Europe for pushing governments in anti-Israeli directions.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid condemned Netanyahu's statements as "insane," blaming the isolation on the PM's failed policies that are turning Israel into "a third world country." The developments occur as 142 UN member states recently voted to recognize Palestinian statehood, with only 10 countries including the US opposing the resolution.
