Why some Arab states side with Israel | Mapped Out

Summary

The Arab world has been historically hostile towards Israel, particularly due to the Palestinian issue. However, shifting geopolitical dynamics, especially the threat posed by Iran, have led some Arab nations to normalize relations with Israel, often brokered by the US. The Camp David Accords, the Abraham Accords, and shared concerns over Iran's ambitions have driven this shift. Despite this, domestic opposition, especially regarding the Palestinian cause, remains strong. The 2023 Hamas attack on Israel complicates the normalization process, leaving Arab leaders in a delicate position between supporting Israel's security and addressing public sentiment over Gaza.

Takeaways

• 😀 Arab world outraged over the Israel-Hamas war, but some Arab states helped defend Israel against Iran's attacks.
• 😀 Despite historical animosity, Arab nations and Israel have shifted relations due to geopolitical and security concerns.
• 😀 The creation of Israel in 1948 led to the Nakba, where 700,000 Palestinians were displaced, fueling continued Arab resentment towards Israel.
• 😀 For many Arab people, the memory of Palestinian displacement remains a significant obstacle to accepting Israel.
• 😀 The policy of 'three no’s' (no peace, no negotiations, no recognition) was upheld by Arab countries for decades following Israel's creation.
• 😀 Polls show widespread Arab opposition to recognizing Israel, with significant sympathy for the Palestinian cause.
• 😀 Despite public sentiment, Arab countries have pursued relations with Israel for reasons including security concerns and their relationship with the United States.
• 😀 Egypt and Jordan were the first Arab countries to sign peace treaties with Israel, motivated by economic aid and strategic interests.
• 😀 In 2020, the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan signed the Abraham Accords, signaling a shift in Arab-Israeli relations.
• 😀 The ongoing Gaza war is testing the stability of Arab-Israeli peace agreements, with countries like Saudi Arabia balancing normalization with Palestinian statehood concerns.
• 😀 Arab nations are growing closer to Israel due to shared concerns about Iran's influence in the Middle East, with security and economic cooperation being key factors.

Q & A

Why are Arab states upset about the Israel-Hamas war?

Arab states are outraged by the violence and the perceived injustice of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, particularly the suffering and displacement of Palestinians in Gaza.

How did some Arab countries end up defending Israel during an attack by Iran?

In a surprising turn of events, some Arab countries like Jordan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia provided assistance to Israel when Iran launched an attack against it, driven by shared concerns about Iran's growing influence and military capabilities in the region.

What is the historical background of the Arab-Israeli conflict?

The Arab-Israeli conflict began after the creation of Israel in 1948, when Arab countries rejected the UN partition plan and subsequently invaded Israel. This conflict led to the displacement of Palestinians, known as the Nakba, and the start of multiple wars between Arab states and Israel.

Why did Arab countries refuse to recognize Israel in the past?

Arab countries, along with Palestinians, rejected Israel's creation as they saw it as a violation of Palestinian land rights and viewed the establishment of Israel as an unjust imposition, especially following the displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 war.

What was the impact of Egypt and Jordan signing peace treaties with Israel?

Egypt and Jordan were the first Arab countries to sign peace treaties with Israel, which led to Egypt regaining the Sinai Peninsula and Jordan formalizing peace. These treaties, however, led to Egypt's temporary exclusion from the Arab League and tensions in the region.

How did the Abraham Accords change the relationship between Arab countries and Israel?

The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, marked a historic shift, as countries like the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan normalized relations with Israel. These agreements led to diplomatic ties, trade, and shared security interests, though they also sparked debates about the future of Palestinian rights.

Why did Saudi Arabia become increasingly involved with Israel in recent years?

Saudi Arabia's growing cooperation with Israel stems from shared concerns about Iran's regional dominance. Saudi leaders, while cautious, see potential benefits in forming closer ties with Israel, particularly in terms of security and economic partnerships, especially if the U.S. brokers an agreement.

What role did the U.S. play in the normalization of relations between Arab countries and Israel?

The U.S. played a pivotal role in brokering peace deals between Israel and Arab nations, leveraging economic incentives, security agreements, and diplomatic influence to help Arab states normalize relations with Israel, as seen in the Camp David Accords and the Abraham Accords.

How has the Gaza war affected the Arab countries' stance on Israel?

The war in Gaza has complicated relations, as many Arab countries condemn Israel's actions but still depend on its alliances for defense and geopolitical reasons. The ongoing violence has made it politically difficult for countries to engage openly with Israel, despite previous agreements.

What role does Iran play in the geopolitics of the Middle East concerning Israel?

Iran is a major factor in the Middle East's geopolitics, as it opposes Israel and seeks to influence the region through proxy groups. This shared hostility towards Iran has prompted some Arab countries to form closer ties with Israel, united by the fear of Iranian expansionism.