Opposition mounts in Arab countries that normalized relations with Israel
Countries in the Middle East that have normalized or are considering normalizing relations with Israel are under growing public pressure. Protesters are demanding that their governments cut those ties because of Israel’s war with Hamas. Their demands present an uncomfortable dilemma for governments that have enjoyed the benefits of closer military and economic ties with Israel.
Why this matters:
Thousands took to the streets in Moroccan cities in support of the Palestinians. Police stood by as hundreds marched while waving flags in front of the Israeli Embassy in Bahrain — a country that almost never allows protest. In Egypt, which has had ties with Israel for decades, protesters at times chanted “Death to Israel.” A Tunisian parliamentary committee advanced a draft law that would criminalize normalization with Israel.
The U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords paved the way for Israel to strike deals with Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan and the United Arab Emirates. Opponents of normalization say the protests make clear the wins that resulted from the accords did little to move public opinion.
As the war has intensified, Arab leaders have moved from condemning violence and calling for peace to more pointed criticism of Israel’s attacks in Gaza.
