The United Arab Emirates has taken a firm stand against Israel following an attack in Qatar, summoning the deputy Israeli ambassador and condemning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks as “hostile.” This move underscores the severe strain the incident has placed on the Abraham Accords, as Gulf states rally in solidarity with Doha.
The diplomatic fallout stems from an Israeli strike in Qatar on September 9th that targeted Hamas officials. The attack, and Netanyahu’s subsequent demand that Qatar expel the group, has prompted a unified response from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The UAE has publicly stated that Qatar’s stability is an “inseparable part” of the entire region’s security, a clear message to Israel.
This public censure from the UAE, the most prominent Arab nation to normalize relations with Israel, marks a significant moment of tension. It signals that while diplomatic ties have been established, they do not provide a green light for actions that violate the sovereignty of neighboring Arab states or destabilize the region.
As an emergency Arab-Islamic summit convenes in Doha to formalize this support for Qatar, the incident serves as a crucial test for the new diplomatic architecture in the Middle East. It highlights the complexities of balancing new alliances with long-standing regional solidarity, especially against the backdrop of the protracted Gaza war and ongoing efforts to secure a lasting peace.
