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Arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israeli leaders have implications that extend beyond Israeli and Palestinian borders, influencing Israel's diplomacy in the Middle East. Israel, although supported by allies like the UNITED STATES and certain European countries, finds itself at a diplomatic crossroads, facing increasing pressure, particularly from Arab countries.
The situation in Gaza, and the escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas, have exacerbated tensions with several countries in the region. If some Arab states, such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), chose to normalize relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords, rising international criticism and internal pressure within Arab countries are testing the strength of these agreements.
Israel and the Arab countries: between normalization and criticism
The Abraham Accords signed in 2020 marked a turning point in Israeli-Arab relations. Israel has normalized relations with several Arab countries, including United Arab Emirates, Bahrainet Moroccoand opened the way to new economic and diplomatic opportunities in the region. However, the ICC arrest warrants have put a damper on these relations. Criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza and accusations of war crimes by the ICC are amplifying pressure on Arab countries that have recently strengthened ties with Israel.
Yedioth Haifa reports that Saudi Arabia et the United Arab Emirates find themselves in a difficult diplomatic position. On the one hand, they want to maintain their economic and security relations with Israel, but on the other, they face pressure from their citizens and public opinion to condemn Israel for its treatment of Palestinians and war crimes charges.
These nations, while supporting normalization with Israel, continue to denounce Israeli policy in Gaza and criticize Palestinian repression. THE Kuwait et Tunisiain particular, have taken firmer positions against Israel, accentuating internal tensions in these countries which must juggle their diplomatic obligations and popular expectations.
Israeli diplomacy facing a changing diplomatic environment
Israel seeks to maintain a delicate balance between its recent alliances with Arab countries and its national security interests. The ICC's mandates have pushed Israeli diplomacy to adapt to new international dynamics. In response to growing criticism, the Israeli government has stepped up its efforts to convince its Arab allies to support its security actions, emphasizing its right to defend itself against terrorism.
However, according to Yedioth Modiinthe rise of increasingly harsh criticism, particularly from European countries and certain Arab nations, forces Israel to adjust its diplomatic strategies. The country is seeking to diversify its alliances and strengthen its ties with non-European countries, such as Chine and theIndewhile maintaining constant pressure on the United States to support its position.
Israeli authorities continue to maintain that they are waging a legitimate war against terrorism, but growing criticism from Arab countries risks calling into question the stability of these normalization agreements. Successive Israeli governments, while seeking to maintain constructive relations with Arab countries, also face internal calls from peace groups and political opponents to take a more measured approach in Gaza.
The impact on relations with Iran and Syria
Growing international tensions are also impacting Israel's relations with Iran et Syriawho are long-time adversaries. Although these two countries do not have diplomatic relations with Israel, the ICC arrest warrants could strengthen ties between Israel and its regional enemies. Israel's rejection of accusations of war crimes in Gaza aligns the country more with the position of its American and European allies, but also creates a sharper fault line with Iran, which has consistently denounced Israeli actions in Palestine and in Syria.
The Hamas and the Hezbollahalso key players in this dynamic, continue to use these tensions to justify their opposition to Israel. They are finding growing support in Arab countries and among some Palestinian groups, which could lead to strengthening alliances in the Middle East against Israel.
International tensions and Israel's isolation
Finally, the ICC arrest warrants contribute to Israel's growing diplomatic isolation on the world stage. Although countries like UNITED STATES remain unconditional allies of Israel, pressure from international organizations and European states for the country to respect international law is becoming increasingly strong. Israel, while seeking to defend its actions, finds itself in an increasingly delicate position, facing diplomatic pressures that risk affecting its relations with its regional and international allies in the long term.
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