Arab World Perceives Israel Differently Amidst Netanyahu's Policies, Reports Suggest
Reports from the Arab media suggest a growing sentiment that Israel is no longer the nation they once knew, particularly in light of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's actions and perceived inaction. A key element highlighted is an alleged warning about an impending disaster, which Netanyahu reportedly received from Palestinian figure Mohammed Dahlan, a former associate who has since become a critic. Instead of heeding the warning, Netanyahu allegedly directed criticism towards Dahlan, according to Arab press accounts.
Further reports indicate that Dahlan, through intermediaries, received intelligence from Yahya Sinwar, Hamas's leader, regarding planned attacks. Sinwar reportedly expressed frustration with Netanyahu's perceived indifference, allegedly stating he was preparing an "earthquake" against Israel. These messages were reportedly relayed to Israel via Egypt, and when the Shin Bet failed to elicit a response from Netanyahu, the UAE president was brought into the picture. During a conversation, Netanyahu reportedly told the UAE president that Israel's primary concern was Judea and Samaria, not Gaza, a statement that allegedly led to troop redeployments from the Gaza border to the West Bank.
The article also touches upon Qatar's role, suggesting that while the nation funded Hamas, it also pressured the organization to release hostages, even threatening expulsion from Doha. According to Arab media, Mossad chief David Barnea visited Doha and rejected Qatar's proposal at Netanyahu's behest. The Emir of Qatar reportedly remarked after this meeting, "This is not the Israel we knew."
These narratives suggest a widespread awareness in the Middle East, including by Netanyahu himself, of Hamas's planned attack. However, Israel allegedly focused on West Bank tensions instead of the imminent threat. The article further notes that Saudi Arabia, despite being attacked by Houthis, has refused Israeli assistance, partly due to Israeli government figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, and also due to Netanyahu himself. The overarching theme in Arab media is a desire for Netanyahu's era to end and for Israel to return to its previous course.
