Arab countries that have often been at odds with Iran joined in condemning Israel’s massive attack on the Islamic Republic and its nuclear program.
Newsweek contacted the Israeli government for comment.
Why It Matters
The Arab condemnation of Israel’s attack raises a question over long-term peace prospects in the region and the reconciliation that had been pursued under the Abraham Accords between Israel and Arab countries from the first presidency of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Despite often being at odds with Shiite Iran, the largely Sunni Arab countries have been trying to avoid a regional war that could also prove damaging to their economies and see them placed in the firing line.
What To Know
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reacted strongly to the Israeli attacks, denouncing the strikes on what it called “the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran”.
“While the Kingdom condemns these heinous attacks, it affirms that the international community and the Security Council bear a great responsibility to immediately halt this aggression,” it said in a statement.
The United Arab Emirates, which has some of the closest links with Israel of any country in the Middle East, also brought strong condemnation.
“The Ministry reaffirmed the UAE’s belief that promoting dialogue, adhering to international law, and respecting the sovereignty of states are the best foundations for resolving current crises,” its foreign ministry said.
Jordan, which has a longstanding peace treaty with Israel, condemned the attack as “as a blatant violation of the sovereignty of a member state of the United Nations and a flagrant breach of international law and the UN Charter.”
Qatar, which has been heavily involved in discussions to try to secure the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza and which has also had close links with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, said it viewed the strikes as a “dangerous escalation.”
Israel said it had attacked Iran because it posed an existential threat with its advancing nuclear capabilities.
The strikes involved dozens of attacks on military and nuclear infrastructure as well as personnel, including the head of Iran’s Armed Forces and elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
What People Are Saying
Saudi statement: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermine its sovereignty and security and constitute a clear violation of international laws and norms.”
UAE statement: “The UAE stressed the need to resolve disputes through diplomatic means rather than through confrontation and escalation, calling on the UN Security Council to take urgent and necessary measures to enforce a ceasefire and establish international peace and security.”
Qatari statement: “Qatar views this dangerous escalation as part of a repeated pattern of illegal Israeli policies and practices that threaten the security and stability of the region and obstruct diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and reach peaceful solutions.”
Jordanian statement: “The official spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ambassador Dr. Sufyan Al-Qudah, warned of the consequences of such escalatory violations, which threaten the security and stability of the region and exacerbate tensions.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog: “Israel has the inherent right and the solemn duty to defend itself—and will always do so with determination and clarity. We sincerely hope that this will change the trajectory of our region towards a more peaceful and prosperous future.”
What Happens Next
Iran can be expected to retaliate against Israel and has promised to do so. Arab countries that helped fend off previous Iranian attacks across their airspace may be less inclined to do so this time. The question for the Arab world is whether countries that have ties with Israel will downgrade them or will leave their statements of condemnation as being sufficient.
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