In recent months, the political landscape in the Gulf region has shifted dramatically. Just a short time ago, leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar greeted former U.S. President Donald Trump with festivities. Now, they share a common frustration over Israel’s military actions targeting Hamas leaders in Doha.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged a unified Arab, Islamic, and international response against what he called Israel’s “criminal practices.” These words reflect deep-rooted tensions — a stark change from the UAE’s earlier embrace of normalization with Israel under the Abraham Accords.
This strike, which Israel claims was necessary for its defense, has raised eyebrows among Gulf leaders. They are concerned about the U.S. commitment to protect them, which has been vital for the stability of the region. Various experts suggest that these leaders fear that Israel’s actions might signal a shift in U.S. policy, jeopardizing their security and complicating efforts to build peace.
Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani condemned the strike, labeling it as an act of “state terror.” He highlighted that this aggression undermines ongoing diplomatic talks, particularly as Hamas was contemplating a U.S.-proposed ceasefire at the time.
Netanyahu’s threats to strike further if Qatar continues its mediation role have only escalated tensions. The UAE’s foreign ministry responded firmly, arguing that any aggression against Gulf Cooperation Council members poses a threat to collective security.
Despite having previously played a leading role in fostering ties with Israel, the UAE is now facing rising frustrations. Recent statements from Emirati officials express concern that continued Israeli hostilities could unravel the fragile peace established by the Abraham Accords.
On the broader scale, Saudi Arabia is distancing itself from normalization unless there is clear progress toward Palestinian statehood. This local sentiment, echoed in public opinion, aligns with historical grievances surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern geopolitics.
A recent survey shows that public opinion in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE increasingly leans against cooperating with Israel amid these escalating tensions. Many citizens express skepticism toward any normalization that does not ensure justice for Palestinians.
Looking ahead, it seems unlikely that new normalization deals will materialize under the current circumstances. As the geopolitical landscape becomes tangled, the Gulf nations face a critical choice: uphold their long-standing alliances or reconsider their roles in a rapidly changing region.
For further insights into these dynamics, you can check data from the Council on Foreign Relations here.
