Dr. Ronen Hoffman: Between Smart Power and the Diplomacy of Isolation

Dr. Ronen Hoffman, former Israeli ambassador to Canada, compares the foreign policy of the Lapid-Bennett government, which he describes as proactive and diverse, to the current Netanyahu government, which he says leads to dangerous international isolation and reckless diplomacy causing severe damage to Israel.

Dr. Ronen Hoffman, who served as Israel's ambassador to Canada during the Lapid-Bennett government, compares the diplomatic approach of that government to that of the current Netanyahu government. According to him, the Lapid-Bennett government sought to present a democratic and diverse country to the world, promote proactive foreign policy, and expand partnerships, combining military strength with political and cultural influence—what is known as 'smart power.' In contrast, he argues that the Netanyahu government is characterized by a lack of political purpose, entanglement in dangerous international isolation, and insularity. Hoffman criticizes the public conduct of ministers and the 'deliberate stammering' of the prime minister in the face of rioters, which he says causes severe political and public relations damage. He calls for a diplomacy of repair and construction, restoring trust with allies, and expanding regional partnerships.