news

🇦🇪(UAE): Continuing the policy of trying to become a Middle Eastern ‘Switzerland’. Influencers and religious leaders still being told to discourage boycotts and protests. Many key thinkers and analysts still believe the country is the victim of an Iranian-Muslim Brotherhood conspiracy to derail their economy and ties with Israel. To counter this pressure, Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi (Chairman of the UAE's Federal National Council’s Defense) has stated “The Abraham Accords are here to stay”. The country has focused on spearheading efforts in the UN in support of Palestine and is conducting food and monetary-aid drives. However, the country seems to be military aligning with Israel and fears the destruction of its key assets in a bigger war, hence willing to work with the USA in regard to air defense systems.

🇸🇦(Saudi Arabia): The country is still focused on its Vision 2030 program and has continued with numerous events, including Shakira’s Concert, despite calls to cancel these. Due to increased public pressure, MBS has relaxed measures and allowed mosques (including Mecca) to make prayers for the Palestinians, and has conducted very large monetary fund drives. Despite immense pressure to not do so, the country has informed the White House that it wants to continue its normalization process with Israel once the war ends. It also fears a larger war breaking out that puts its assets like oil plants, desalination plants, air, and seaports under fire, to this end it has intercepted Yemeni missiles shot towards Israel over its airspace and rejected a temporary truce with the Yemenis/Houthis. MBS is also alleged to have told Lindsey Graham that he does not support a direct war with Iran, but will not stand in America’s way if one were to break out. The country is still putting the bulk of its efforts in the UN.

🇧🇭(Bahrain): The country is continuing the policy of ‘do little and don’t be seen’, and is waiting for the war to be over. It was alleged that it had recalled its ambassador and severed (economic) ties with Israel, but Israeli officials state this is not true, and that ‘relations are stable’. To this effect, the Bahraini Finance minister has recently stated on the Abraham Accords “the region needs bridges that transcend religious & ethnic lines in order to ensure security & prosperity” - meaning the Accords are here to stay. There is still significant public pressure to support the Palestinians and to take action; as yet the country is involved in back-channel diplomacy efforts, but there is ambiguity on which direction these will head to.

🇶🇦(Qatar): The country is significantly involved in hostage negotiations and mediation between Hamas and the Israeli/USA government. It currently faces immense pressure from the USA to censure Al-Jazeera and to close Hamas’ office, however the Qataris are resisting and do not believe that either of these measures will be useful currently. There are protests and rallies within the country to support Palestine and government officials are also issuing condemnations of Israel’s military campaign. It is closely involved in diplomacy efforts, with its Foreign Minister visiting Amman for discussions with other Arab Partners and US Secretary Blinken. Government officials and analysts have signalled they are willing to support the Palestinians in whatever form may be required going forward.

🇴🇲(Oman): The country is trying to balance both internal and external pressures. There have been significant large protests and rallies in support of Palestine, and the country has closed its airspace to Israeli flights (El-Al). It has also labelled Israel’s actions ‘war crimes’ and demanded an international investigation. However, it is working alongside the UAE to implement a broad set of policies that will not jeopardize its normalization plans with Israel.

🇰🇼(Kuwait): One of the unique exceptions in the Middle East, the country is in full support of the Palestinian Cause. It has organized large rallies in support of the Palestinians and is providing medical aid, and has promised to provide financial, diplomatic and other support to the Palestinians. The country is known for its rejection of the Abraham Accords, and recently Kuwaiti MP Abdul Karim has publicly criticized other Arab rulers for not supporting the Palestinians and generally adopting a weak stance to the conflict.

🇯🇴(Jordan): The country has received much criticism for its double-sided policies. The King and Queen of Jordan have publicly condemned Israel and denounced plans to move Gazans to the Sinai desert. Initially there were widespread demonstrations within the country, but these are now being prevented. The country has recalled its ambassador to Israel but has refused to sever ties. Additionally, it has permitted the installation of American air defense systems and the establishment of an American air bridge to Israel. It has also informed Yemen and other actors that it will not allow the use of its airspace for an attack on Israel. However, the country is home to many Palestinians and there is growing discontent between the public and government officials.

🇲🇦(Morocco): The country is committed to preserving its normalization with Israel by any means. There is growing public anger at the King and many have condemned the country’s foreign policy. Initially large protests in support of Palestine had occurred, but these were quickly banned, however in defiance larger protests in cities such as Rabat were held. The country is a wild card, though it is providing support to Palestinians in the UN there is not much public action occurring and many analysts are not sure if the country can take action given the King’s loyalties.

🇩🇿(Algeria): At the start of the conflict the country issued a condemnation of Israel but largely adopted a ‘doesn't concern me policy’. The government was busy in domestic issues and the planting of trees. However, in recent days, momentum has grown within the government, and it has issued condemnations of Israel’s military actions. The Algerian Parliament has also unanimously voted to provide President Tebboune with the authority to go to war with Israel, however this is non-binding and seen by many analysts as a cosmetic measure to quell domestic unrest at the government’s inaction.

🇱🇾(Libya): The country has seen significant wide-spread demonstrations in support of Palestine. The situation is complex, as there are striking differences between government factions. If you recall, the foreign minister was suspended after an ‘illegal’ meeting with Israeli officials a few months ago. However, there is a growing sentiment that the country cannot stand idly by; the Libyan High Council of State has called for the severing of relations with countries that support Israel's bombardment, and the country has said it is willing to provide military support in case of a regional war.

🇹🇳(Tunisia): The country has condemned Israel’s actions and there have been wide-scale demonstrations in support of Palestine. The country prior to the conflict had been debating in parliament on a bill that would criminalize the normalization of economic and political ties with Israel (a High-Treason charge), however there is government pushback to modify it to allow for future relations and a vote on the bill was postponed.