All articles tagged with #arab states
Arab states stay notably silent on Iran’s protests as they weigh potential gains from a regime collapse against the chaotic aftermath and spillover risks; unlike 2022, Tehran’s regional network and the possibility of a power vacuum complicate a clear stance, making restraint and cautious watching the preferred approach as events unfold.
World leaders signed a fragile ceasefire deal in Egypt to halt the Gaza war, bringing relief but raising concerns among Arab countries about funding, peacekeeping, and future stability, with many uncertainties remaining about the plan's sustainability and regional implications.
Leaked U.S. documents reveal that despite public condemnations, Arab states have quietly expanded military cooperation with Israel during the Gaza conflict, driven by concerns over Iran, with plans for joint security efforts and training, even as political tensions and public condemnations persist.
Arab and Muslim leaders gathered in Doha to condemn Israel's recent attack on Qatar, but Iran's own missile attack on Qatar three months earlier highlights a selective memory in diplomatic responses, with Iran's official criticizing Israel while having previously violated Qatar's sovereignty.
The recent Iran-Israel war has backfired on US and Israeli strategies, leading to increased regional diplomacy with Iran, Arab states distancing from normalization with Israel, and a shift towards a multipolar Middle East where military power is less effective than diplomacy, revealing the strategic failure of unilateral policies.
Arab states, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, expressed concern and called for de-escalation after US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, fearing they could become collateral in a wider conflict between the US and Iran.
After Iran's failed attack on Israel was thwarted with the help of the United States and its Middle Eastern allies, an uneasy alliance of Arab states including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates may soon be tested as Israel considers its response. The recent cooperation against Iran has the potential to be damaging domestically for these Arab countries, especially for Jordan, which finds itself trapped between Iran and Israel. The participation of these Arab states in Israel's defense signals a new realignment in the Middle East, with their reliance on American and Israeli support becoming increasingly apparent.
Arab states, including Jordan, quietly aided Israel in fending off Iran's attack by intercepting projectiles, sharing intelligence, and possibly opening up their airspace to warplanes, despite their public condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza. This unexpected assistance reflects the complex motivations and shifting alliances in the region, driven by concerns over Iranian aggression and a desire for US security guarantees. The situation also complicates Saudi Arabia's efforts to improve relations with Iran and highlights the delicate balance Arab states face between security priorities and public sentiment regarding the conflict in Gaza.
Jon Stewart criticized Arab states for not granting Palestinians citizenship, suggesting they are afraid of the Islamists they have supported. He argued that the Arab nations' reluctance is due to their fear of groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, which they helped foster. Stewart's comments came during an interview with journalist Christiane Amanpour about the Israel-Hamas conflict. He previously proposed a Middle Eastern version of NATO to resolve the Gaza conflict, but experts and Amanpour expressed skepticism about its feasibility.
The head of the U.N. agency for Palestinian aid, UNRWA, is struggling to secure funding from Arab states, with only enough to last through May. This comes after the U.S. and other Western countries cut off aid due to allegations of UNRWA employees' involvement in a Hamas attack. UNRWA is facing allegations from Israel as well, and if it can't secure more funding, it may have to scale back its humanitarian activities in Gaza, impacting over a million people. Saudi Arabia and other Arab states are hesitant to donate until there is clarity on Gaza's political future, with Israel opposing Hamas' political control.
Arab states and Turkey have urged the International Court of Justice to declare the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories illegal, with Turkey describing it as the "real obstacle to peace." The court has been hearing arguments from over 50 states following a request by the U.N. General Assembly, and is expected to issue a non-binding opinion on the occupation. Israel, not participating in the hearings, has expressed concerns about the court's involvement, while the United States has urged the court to limit its advisory opinion. The court is expected to take roughly six months to issue its decision.
Israeli government ministers and far-right activists gathered in Jerusalem to call for the resettlement of Gaza and the occupied West Bank, advocating for new Jewish settlements in Palestinian territories. This comes amid international pressure on Israel to confirm its respect for Palestinian statehood after the war on Gaza. The conference was attended by 12 ministers from Netanyahu's Likud party, drawing condemnation from some Israeli politicians. Meanwhile, Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt, reportedly met to discuss post-war Gaza and expressed support for a solution involving the Palestinian Authority taking control following a transition period.
Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant proposed a post-war plan for Gaza, including a U.S.-led multinational task force for reconstruction and civilian affairs handled by Palestinians not connected to Hamas. However, the plan lacks concrete details and faces opposition from Western leaders. The United States and Israel differ over who should govern Gaza, with the U.S. advocating for the Palestinian Authority's involvement. Concerns about the region's security and humanitarian aid for Gaza persist, while extremist sentiment on Israel's far right poses a challenge to post-war planning. Arab states' involvement is seen as crucial, and planning for a trusted security force in Gaza is a top priority.
The Biden administration is facing increasing strain in its support for the Israeli government as Arab states demand a cease-fire in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Despite calls for a cease-fire from the United Nations and Arab leaders, the U.S. finds itself standing alone in its opposition as Israel continues its offensive. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has criticized Israel's actions and called for better protection of civilians, but has only been able to secure limited concessions. The U.S. and Israel also disagree on the ultimate goal of the war, with the U.S. advocating for the removal of Hamas as a governing force and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. The U.S. vetoed a UN resolution calling for a cease-fire, further straining relations with Arab states.
Israel has informed several Arab states, including Egypt, Jordan, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, about its plans to establish a buffer zone on the Palestinian side of Gaza's border as part of its proposals for the enclave after the war ends. The buffer zone aims to prevent future attacks and is part of Israel's broader security plans for Gaza. Arab states, along with the United States, oppose any move that reduces Palestinian land. Israel's offensive in Gaza has killed over 1,500 people, and while the buffer zone idea is being examined, its depth and location are still uncertain.