Nearly every state in the Middle East has condemned Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza, sparking discussions on the future of diplomatic relations in the region. This overwhelming criticism is happening even with the established diplomatic relationships that Israel has with Jordan, Egypt, and a number of the Gulf states.
Jordan and Egypt, the only two Arab countries with formal diplomatic relations with Israel, have publicly condemned the move. Jordan’s criticism has been especially scathing, revealing the profound nature of fears over the humanitarian consequences of the war. It has been unhappy with the outcome that would emerge from a process stacked against Palestinian rights. Those same Gulf nations that have developed close ties with Israel over the past several years through the Abraham Accords have condemned the offensive.
Saudi Arabia has openly declared its position. It will further normalize relations with Israel only for as long as Israel pursues progress towards the establishment of a Palestinian state. This position points to the precarious equilibrium these countries seek to uphold. They tread an extremely fine line between their bilateral diplomatic relations with Israel and having an active Arab population that wants to support the Palestinian issue.
An increasing number of European countries and regional authorities already recognize the State of Palestine. This created acute pressure on Israel’s diplomatic position in multilateral forums. Right across the EU, the European Union is furiously trying to reassess its whole trade and economic relationship with Israel. This might produce shifts in support as the war progresses.
At a recent event moderated by Al Jazeera’s James Bays, all-star panelists offered their expertise on the crisis. To Daniel Levy, President of the US/Middle East Project, this underscores the realities of any peace negotiation. He emphasized the need for immediate conversation across sectors to tackle these challenges. James Moran, the EU’s first ambassador to Egypt and later to Jordan, made a related but crucial point. He argued that how Europe comes to recognize Palestine will determine the diplomatic conditions going forward.
Former deputy prime minister and foreign minister of Jordan, Jawad Anani, urged greater focus on fulfilling Palestinian aspirations. He argues that this is prerequisite to achieving wider US sensibilities of stability in the region. His observations resonate with the perspectives of countless Jordanian officials and experts. They are convinced, as we are, that the only way to peace is through the respect for Palestinian rights.
All these moves represent an unprecedented shift in regional attitudes toward Israel. They cast doubt on whether its diplomatic ties are sustainable under increasing pressure. With Middle East countries struggling with their own reactions to Israel’s escalation, it is unclear what future balance the peace negotiations will have.
