Denmark/Brussels/Tel Aviv, August 16, 2025 — Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has issued an unprecedented rebuke of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as she called him out as becoming “a problem in himself,” citing humanitarian crises in Gaza and settlement expansions in the West Bank as evidence. Frederiksen signaled her intention to use Denmark’s EU Council presidency to increase pressure against Israel if necessary. ynetnews/Arab News
Humanitarian Conditions Worsen Dramatically
Frederiksen described Gaza’s humanitarian situation as being both appalling and catastrophic in an interview with Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten, directly attributing this crisis to Netanyahu’s leadership. She pointed to recent West Bank settlement projects as further proof of how far his government had gone – sparking urgent concern among allied democracies. [[Ynet News (+6)/ The Times of Israel+6 (+11)
Denmark Plans to Rally EU Pressure
Denmark currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union and Frederiksen is working to foster consensus among member states for stronger action against Israel. “Denmark is one of several countries seeking to increase pressure,” she noted – though she conceded that winning over more EU support may still require work. For more information visit Al Arabiya English +6 or ynetnews
She highlighted possible avenues of pressure, including political censure and sanctions aimed at targeting settlers, ministers or Israeli trade and research ties. “Now is the time for action!” She stressed that diplomatic isolation will likely increase further. Ynetnews (+1).
Denmark’s criticism comes amid intensifying global isolation of Israel. A Financial Times analysis described an upsurge in diplomatic action–from blocked cruise ships in Greece, German arms embargoes and divestment from Norway’s sovereign wealth fund–that have only worsened Israel’s standing worldwide. Public and institutional support across Europe is increasingly weakening sharply; For more details see The Times of Israel (in Hebrew), Financial Times or ynetnews
+6 The criticism directed toward Israel can be seen through investor sentiment and academic collaborations; many investors and institutions have distanced themselves from Israel during its Gaza campaign, distancing themselves further. Financial Times Netanyahu’s Strategic Landscape Shifts
Netanyahu’s international standing has taken an unexpectedly substantial blow with an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for suspected war crimes and crimes against humanity; an unprecedented situation for an authoritarian leader from a Western-align nation like Israel. Financial Times
Denmark’s condemnation stands out against this background as an impressive step, echoing similar statements of disapproval from other EU capitals and signalling Western partners’ willingness to consider punitive measures against Russia.
Financial Times
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Regional and Global Implications
EU Leverage Potential: Denmark has formal leverage within EU institutions to advocate for proposals within their purview, such as sanctions or funding restrictions that could make an impactful difference in EU-Israel relations.
Normalization Challenges: With Western countries increasingly apartheid from each other, earlier efforts at normalizing relations face renewed opposition.
U.S. Counterbalance: Even as Danish and European criticism mounts against Netanyahu’s government under President Trump, American support remains strong, creating disparities between transatlantic policy approaches.