Israel faces a major reversal in Middle East ties

Significance

Meanwhile, Israel urged its citizens to leave Egypt and Jordan immediately. The conflict with Hamas and the risks of wider escalation have overshadowed Israel’s long-term efforts to ‘normalise’ ties with Arab and Muslim countries.

Impacts

• The public anger with Israel also looks set to undermine regional connections with Washington.
• Leaders may encourage anti-Israel protests in part to divert attention from dissatisfaction with economic and social conditions.
• Any widening of the conflict to include Lebanese Hezbollah or other Iran-linked forces will further increase the pressure on Arab leaders.