Unlocking New Security: How the Arab World Can Seize the Moment to Counter ‘Greater Israel’

The geopolitical landscape is shifting dramatically, with the traditional rules-based international system in disarray. As insecurity escalates, major global powers are re-engaging in direct competition, leaving the Arab world grappling with pressing challenges. The United States, once a guarantor of stability in the region, appears to be retreating from its longstanding role. President Donald Trump’s “America First” strategy reflects a withdrawal from international obligations, creating a new paradigm with significant repercussions for the Middle East.

Recent developments, particularly in Ukraine, demonstrate this shift. The U.S. has engaged with Russia without adequately involving Kyiv or its European partners, compelling them to navigate their own security dilemmas. This situation is indicative of a broader transformation in America’s global stance, which poses serious implications for the Middle East.

For decades, Arab nations have depended on American military power to ensure their security. However, this reliance is becoming untenable. The Trump administration’s approach has not only distanced itself from European allies but is also demanding compensation for any security assistance it offers. As demonstrated by the U.S.’s dealings with Ukraine, one must question what guarantees exist for Arab nations regarding their sovereignty.

The Middle East stands at a pivotal juncture. As Arab leaders convene in Cairo for an emergency summit to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza, the region faces a crucial decision: establish a robust security framework to counter Israel’s relentless territorial expansion or remain passive as an occupation regime continues to reshape the region. The emergence of a “Greater Israel” has become a dire concern.

If Arab nations shifted their focus from merely upholding Israel’s security to prioritizing their own citizens’ needs, they would recognize that the threat posed by Zionism and its regime is far greater than any perceived danger from Russia to Western Europe. Historically, underestimating Israel’s ambitions has proven perilous. The atrocities occurring in Gaza, the persistent occupation in the West Bank, and Israel’s territorial advances in southern Lebanon and Syria illustrate the gravity of the situation.

Since its establishment in 1948, Israel has pursued a policy that demands the region’s complete submission for its security. With unwavering support from its allies, Israel has been emboldened. While Western countries have condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine, they have paradoxically shielded Israel from accountability for its ongoing illegal expansions.

Arab nations have attempted diplomatic avenues, including the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative and peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan, culminating in the Abraham Accords that began in 2020. However, the expected moderation of Israeli aggression following such recognitions has not materialized. Instead, normalization has coincided with increased settlement activity and military offensives.

The current political climate presents an opportunity for a strategic re-evaluation. With the U.S. diminishing its global security commitments, Arab countries must accept that the previous framework, characterized by American assurances, is no longer viable. The recent Arab League summit should have addressed the broader implications of Israeli expansion, but historically, Arab responses have lacked cohesion.

Factors such as caution, differing priorities, and at times, complicity have allowed Israel to operate with impunity. The belief that diplomatic engagement would temper Israel’s ambitions has not been validated. Instead, normalization efforts have shielded Israel from meaningful repercussions, enabling it to continue its military operations and territorial acquisitions.

As the global order evolves, Arab states must confront the emerging realities of insecurity and traditional power struggles. The U.S. stance on Ukraine signals a significant shift in its foreign policy priorities, suggesting a diminished commitment to security in both Europe and the Middle East. This necessitates a reassessment of defense strategies among European and Arab nations alike.

Relying on American military power to ensure stability in the region is a strategy destined to fail. Arab countries must recognize that Israel is not a stabilizing partner. Its aggressive posture fosters instability, and addressing its territorial ambitions requires a new regional security framework. This approach should emphasize collective power among Arab states that can rival Israel’s military and political influence.

• Prioritize collective security over individual state interests.
• Collaborate on military initiatives, intelligence sharing, and defensive alliances.
• Counter Israel’s territorial ambitions effectively through a unified regional order.

The Middle East cannot permit Israel to alter borders through force. To deter the occupation regime from pursuing its vision of “Greater Israel,” Arab nations must cultivate a cooperative security environment. Rather than depending on the United States, which has repeatedly failed to broker peace impartially, Arab states should forge strategic partnerships that genuinely address their security concerns.

Key players, including economically robust Gulf states and militarily significant nations like Turkey, could play pivotal roles in countering Israeli expansion. It is crucial for Arab nations to extricate themselves from Washington’s influence and build connections that genuinely enhance their security and benefit their populations.

The failure to act in unison previously has enabled Israel to entrench its occupation and expand its territory. Israel’s security doctrine relies on regional domination rather than coexistence. Until this reality is acknowledged, the Middle East will continue to suffer the geopolitical and humanitarian consequences of the ideologies driving the Israeli state.

If the Zionist regime perceives the current global context as an opportunity to solidify its control without international constraints, Arab nations must respond with determination. They have a historical responsibility to challenge this narrative, assert their independence, and protect their collective interests.

The future of the Middle East will not be dictated by Washington but by the ability of regional leaders to grasp the shifting global dynamics. They must take control of their security strategies to avoid becoming powerless against Israel’s territorial ambitions. The Arab world must abandon the myth that stability stems from superficial Western assurances or from acquiescing to Israel’s endless security demands. Genuine security will only arise from ending Israel’s illegal occupation and fulfilling the legitimate rights and dignity of the Palestinian people.

Source: Middle East Monitor