Gulf states’ quarrels may damage Israel in Gaza

Significance

Informal ties between Israel and some of the Gulf Arab monarchies in economic, intelligence, and security affairs are growing, encouraged by the prospect of a US-mediated rapprochement on the Israeli-Palestinian issue.

Impacts

• Iranian and salafi-jihadi threats could boost Israel’s mutual intelligence-sharing with Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
• Any dramatic deterioration in relations with Iran could encourage Gulf Arab monarchies to reach out to Israel as a deterrent signal.
• Closer cooperation with Arab countries may reduce pressure on Israel to agree to an independent Palestinian state.