Netanyahu’s dismal failure to guard Israel-Arab relations

Third, given the Netanyahu government's overall new policy in connection with the Israeli settlements, the likelihood of further annexation of Palestinian territories raised serious concerns among the Arab states about the government's intentions and true objectives. The UAE, which has moved rapidly to increase its commercial ties with Israel, including the import of military hardware, technology, intelligence sharing, and trade, cancelled Netanyahu's scheduled visit to the Emirates, citing Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's visit to the Temple Mount.

The Emirates decided to freeze its purchase of military equipment to send a clear message about its profound displeasure with the Netanyahu government. UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan conveyed to Israel that "As long as we can't be certain that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has a government that he controls, we can't cooperate." The reaction to the new developments in Israel is not limited to the UAE alone; other Arab states who have normalized relations with Israel are now engaged in reassessing their ties and are unlikely to resume business as usual until there is a new Israeli government they can trust.

Finally, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was sidestepped by some of the Gulf and other Arab states, and they normalized relations with Israel due to their overriding geostrategic interests and because they have become, to some degree, weary of the Palestinians' disunity and intransigence. The recent mishaps by the Israeli government have put the Palestinian conflict back at center stage. As a result, any future normalization of relations with Israel by any other Arab country and the expansion of relations with the current government will more than likely be tied directly to progress made by Israel on the Palestinian front.

This, in my view, will accelerate the demise of the Netanyahu government. The two most extremist ministers, Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, who are ravenous for Palestinian blood, will not accept any peaceful overture toward the Palestinians, especially now following Netanyahu's defeat in his efforts to subordinate Israel's judiciary to politicians' whims, of which these two renegades are the staunchest supporters.

In the final analysis, what has happened in Israel in recent days may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. The Israelis may well be awakened to the reality that what they need now is a new generation of leaders who have a vision, but who are also practical and understand that Israel's future security and well-being depends on developing solid and progressive relationships with the Arab states based on genuine mutual trust.

To achieve that, Israel must spare no efforts to end the conflict with the Palestinians based on a two-state solution, which will be the key to stability and a comprehensive Arab-Israel peace.