Is Israel destined to become a super Sparta?
Professor Yossi Spiegel argues that Israel is turning into a 'super Sparta' – an isolated country mired in endless wars. He cites as evidence the exclusion of Israeli fans from a soccer match in the Netherlands, a drop in tourism from 4.5 million in 2019 to 1.3 million in 2025, 109 sanctions in four years, and a Pew survey showing 67% hold a negative view of Israel.
Professor Yossi Spiegel argues in an opinion piece that Israel is becoming a 'super Sparta' – an isolated country mired in endless wars. He cites as evidence the exclusion of Israeli fans from a soccer match in the Netherlands, the absence of international artists since October 2023, and a dramatic drop in tourism: from 4.5 million tourists in 2019 to 1.3 million in 2025. Spiegel quotes a Pew survey showing that 67% of 36 countries hold a negative view of Israel, and mentions 109 sanctions imposed on Israel in the last four years. He warns of a 'tsunami of sanctions' and quotes a European diplomat who said Israel is on a path to becoming an apartheid state. Spiegel links the isolation to government policy, particularly the prolongation of the war in Gaza and violence in the territories, and notes that over 60 economists signed a letter warning of significant macroeconomic damage.