Arab States Criticize Israel Over Gaza Conflict, Likud Blames Political Motives

A coalition of eight Arab and Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Indonesia, Turkey, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, issued a joint statement condemning Israel for rejecting the roadmap to resolve the Gaza conflict and opposing the establishment of a Palestinian state. The statement accused Israel of explicitly dismissing the comprehensive peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which has been endorsed by the UN Security Council. According to these countries, Israel's stance threatens collective efforts to achieve peace in the region and bears sole responsibility for blocking progress toward peace in Gaza and other territories.

In response, Israel's ruling Likud party sharply criticized the diplomatic attack, asserting that the Arab states' true motive is to interfere in Israel's internal politics and destabilize Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Likud spokespersons claimed these countries aim to bring down Netanyahu in favor of leaders like Gadi Eizenkot and Yair Golan, who they say would comply with the Arab states' political demands. The party emphasized that such attempts would fail and vowed to protect Israeli interests against these pressures.

This exchange highlights ongoing regional tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the political dynamics within Israel, as external actors seek to influence its leadership amid stalled peace efforts.