By Abiola Olawale
Renowned Nigerian diplomat and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, has revealed the fundamental cause behind the loss of Israel’s international moral authority in the light of the ongoing conflict and war in Gaza.
During an interview on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Monday, Professor Akinyemi, a renowned figure in the field of international relations and a former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), stated that Israel’s handling of the ongoing conflict with Gaza has led to a loss of global sympathy for the country.
According to the elders statesman, and outspoken policy expert, the uncompromising stance of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on certain policies has prompted some prosecutors at the International Criminal Court (ICC) to propose his inclusion on a list of wanted individuals.
He added that these developments have significantly harmed Israel’s reputation, as the Prime Minister could potentially face global arrest if the ICC accedes to the prosecutors’ request.
Akinyemi also emphasized that the emerging reports of threats directed at the judges of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) have indicated Israel’s efforts to protect its already soiled reputation.
He said: “Mossad has been going after ICC officials, blackmailing them, and even threatening their families to halt investigations into Israel.
“Israel is prepared to destroy anything and everything that stands in its way, which is not the kind of image a country wants to have internationally.”
Akinyemi also cited recent reports of Israeli soldiers in Gaza disobeying central command and acting independently. This has resulted in a significant increase in Palestinian casualties, he declared.
He noted that the resignations within Israel’s cabinet suggested that “the nation is losing its internal cohesion, a factor that Prime Minister Netanyahu has often promoted as crucial.”
He continued: “The leader of the opposition in Israel has said he is prepared not to join the government but to support Netanyahu to prevent the country from breaking apart.”
He stressed that Israel’s actions are creating problems not only for itself but for the rest of the world.
The former foreign minister asserted: “There is an increasing number of nations, particularly in Europe, recognising Palestine as a state, reflecting growing international dissatisfaction with Israel’s conduct.”
