Are Arab countries paying the price for their inaction on the Gaza war?

Arab countries are paying the price for their hesitation and lack of a decisive stance towards the Israeli war on Gaza, whether at the political, strategic or even popular levels. While the war continued without deterrence, most Arab capitals were content with verbal condemnations and limited diplomatic moves that had no tangible impact on the course of events. This negative stance did not pass without consequences, but rather negatively affected the status of these countries regionally and internationally, making them more vulnerable to pressure and political blackmail by major powers.

One of the direct results of this non-position is the erosion of Arab influence on the Palestinian issue, as Israel, with clear Western support, has become the only party imposing its conditions on the ground. The Arab countries that were supposed to play an active role in pressuring Israel or even providing real support to the Palestinians have found themselves watching the map of the conflict being reshaped according to Israeli interests. This is not limited to the continuation of the war, but also includes the policies of displacement, settlement, and changing the geographic and political reality in the West Bank and Jerusalem.

On the international level, this hesitation has given Israel and its allies more room to maneuver, as there has been no real pressure that could push Tel Aviv to reconsider its strategy. Arab countries that have economic and political leverage, such as oil and trade relations, have not invested these tools as required, making the Arab position appear to have no real weight in the equation. This weakness may open the door to more foreign intervention in the region, as the United States and other major powers seek to impose agendas that suit their interests, without any consideration for the Arab position.

Internally, the lack of a clear position has led to rising popular anger in many Arab countries. The Arab street, which has always been sensitive to the Palestinian issue, has felt deeply disappointed by the performance of Arab governments. This gap between peoples and regimes may have future repercussions, especially if the Israeli aggression continues for a longer period, or if political settlements are imposed that are not popularly accepted.

With Donald Trump back in the White House, the Arab predicament could worsen. Trump, known for his unwavering support for Israel and his approach based on political blackmail, could exploit the weakness of the Arab position to impose harsher conditions, whether regarding normalization or offering economic and security concessions. Arab countries that do not act today may find themselves facing much more difficult choices tomorrow, where they will no longer be able to refuse or maneuver.

It seems that the Arab states are already paying the price for their reluctance to take a decisive stance on the war on Gaza. As the conflict continues, the cost of this inaction may increase, not only for the Palestinians, but for the entire region, which may find itself facing a new political reality that serves only Israel and its allies.

Despite the bleakness of the situation, there is still room to change course, but it requires bold decisions. Arab countries can use their economic and diplomatic leverage, whether by pressuring the United States and Israel through trade and oil relations, or by forming new alliances within international organizations. Reviewing normalization agreements and linking them to a halt to Israeli aggression may be a necessary step to restore balance to the scene. Supporting the Palestinian popular resistance politically and financially is also an important option to strengthen the steadfastness of the Palestinians and raise the cost of the occupation.

Ultimately, Arab countries find themselves at a critical moment. Either they move seriously to change the course of events before solutions are imposed on them that do not serve their interests, or they remain on the sidelines until they find themselves in a bigger mess, where they no longer have the ability to refuse or negotiate.