The recent Arab-Islamic summit held in Doha, Qatar, which involved the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) comprising 57 Muslim countries, underscores the ongoing complexities in the Israeli-Arab relationship. The summit was organized in response to Israeli airstrikes on Hamas leaders. Despite numerous OIC meetings, critical actions against Israel remain absent, raising questions about its position in the region. A primary factor contributing to Israel’s perceived resilience is the web of strategic alliances it has cultivated with several Muslim nations.
Azerbaijan provides the bulk of Israel’s oil, supplying 60% of its needs. In March 2025, a gas exploration agreement was signed. During the 2023 Hamas-Israel war, Azerbaijan was instrumental in ensuring Israel’s energy security when ports were closed. The Abraham Accords, signed in September 2020, saw the UAE, followed by Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan, formally recognize Israel. Bilateral trade grew in 2024, with Israel sourcing 10% of its petroleum from the UAE. Extensive collaboration spans tourism, education, healthcare, trade, and security. However, the UAE has cautioned that West Bank actions after the Gaza war could threaten the Abraham Accords.
A natural gas agreement between Egypt and Israel is central to the energy security of both nations. Gas from Israeli fields is sent through Egyptian LNG terminals to Europe. Under the 2018 Dolphin agreement, Israel gains natural gas from Egypt, generating billions of dollars annually. Both countries are working towards becoming an energy hub via gas pipeline infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia struggles with the Houthi rebels, who have attacked Saudi Arabia since 2014. Saudi Arabia views Israel’s presence as a check on Iranian influence. A weaker Israel could bolster Iran and empower the Houthis. Israel contributes to curtailing Iranian influence. Houthi attacks on oil infrastructure have damaged the global oil market. Israel conducts attacks on Houthi rebels in Yemen. A weaker Israel could worsen Saudi Arabia’s difficulties.
Turkey ended trade ties with Israel due to the Gaza war in May 2024. However, its embassy remains active in Tel Aviv, and trade continues indirectly via third parties like Georgia and Armenia. This trade amounted to $1.2 billion in 2024. Turkey, a NATO member, has long-standing defense ties with Israel and a Jewish population. While publicly supporting Palestine, the Erdogan government prioritizes commercial interests in its relationship with Israel.
U.S. involvement in the normalization of relations between Pakistan and Israel adds another layer of complexity. The U.S. aims for more Muslim nations to recognize Israel, but a majority of Pakistanis support Palestine. Pakistan, dependent on U.S. assistance, faces a difficult choice. U.S. pressure is present in the context of IMF loans, aid, and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Recognizing Israel could result in domestic opposition, thus, no decision has been made yet.
