Israel Demands Reciprocity in Regional Ties
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Israel is demanding greater public reciprocity from Middle Eastern partners who seek its intelligence and security assistance privately but distance themselves publicly. Author David Ben-Baset criticizes Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan for this double standard, citing delayed normalization with Riyadh and political opposition from Cairo and Amman. A recent incident where Saudi Arabia denied an Israeli rescue flight for a Flydubai plane further illustrates this lack of public acknowledgment. Ben-Baset urges Israel to evaluate all cooperation based on tangible returns and mutual respect.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel seeks public reciprocity from Middle Eastern nations who privately request its intelligence and security aid.
- Author David Ben-Baset criticizes Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan for a double standard in dealing with Israel.
- Intelligence cooperation and secret meetings are not substitutes for public diplomatic recognition, according to the author.
- Saudi Arabia's refusal of an Israeli rescue flight for a Flydubai plane highlights a lack of public acknowledgment.
- Israel should evaluate all cooperation based on tangible returns and mutual respect, not just vague future promises.
The Middle East's approach to Israel is characterized by a demand for its intelligence, security, and technological assistance in private, while publicly distancing themselves. This pattern, observed with countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan, requires a shift towards fairness, respect, and reciprocity, according to author David Ben-Baset. He argues that while Israel's capabilities are sought after, public acknowledgment of its value is often deferred, with normalization with Saudi Arabia presented as a future certainty based on intelligence needs rather than genuine recognition.
Ben-Baset highlights the absurdity of requesting Israeli intelligence support against the Houthis for Saudi Arabia via CENTCOM, while simultaneously delaying public recognition of Israel's contributions. He cautions against viewing intelligence cooperation or secret meetings as equivalent to diplomatic relations, emphasizing that the path to normalization with Riyadh remains longer than often portrayed if public expression of partnership is absent.
The issue extends to countries with existing peace treaties, namely Jordan and Egypt. Ben-Baset questions the meaning of their peace agreements when they repeatedly take stances against Israel in international forums. He asserts that peace should entail fairness, a distinction between Israel and its adversaries, and a willingness to deviate from automatic condemnations, rather than being a document invoked only when convenient.
Furthermore, Ben-Baset points to a recent incident where a Flydubai plane made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, but the Saudis refused to authorize an Israeli rescue flight for the traumatized passengers. While Saudi Arabia assisted with the landing, the refusal of a humanitarian gesture raises questions about readiness for normalization. He also notes that the UAE, despite its role in the Abraham Accords, failed to publicly acknowledge the four Israeli heroes who helped rescue the plane, focusing instead on the Indian pilot. Ben-Baset concludes that Israel must draw practical conclusions, evaluating each cooperation based on tangible returns like civilian protection, humanitarian gestures, fair conduct in international institutions, and political progress, rather than vague promises.
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