In the early days of a new government, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced sharpened regional scrutiny. Initial congratulations from Arab leaders gave way to measured assessments from Netanyahu’s growing set of allies. Egypt urged caution, while United Arab Emirates partners reacted with concern over a visit by a far-right minister to sacred Islamic sites, a move that drew protests from Jordan and neighboring states. The mood was one of celebration over an end to political stalemate, yet parliament remained wary, and street demonstrations began to surface in response to the unfolding events.
The wave of support included a public nod from U.S. President Joe Biden, who described Netanyahu as a longtime ally and emphasized a shared goal of advancing a vision for a peaceful region that would benefit Israelis and Palestinians alike. President Biden’s remarks underscored a continuity in engagement, even as new alliances emerged with right-leaning elements. Russian President Vladimir Putin also offered congratulations, signaling broader regional reception to Netanyahu’s leadership and the new administration’s direction among Gulf partners who hailed what they viewed as a milestone in the region’s political longevity.
Yet neighboring voices stressed caution. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi reminded Israel of the need to avoid actions that could heighten tensions or spark conflict in a tense regional landscape. King Abdullah II of Jordan echoed similar concerns, cautioning against red lines related to Jerusalem’s holy sites. Netanyahu’s ministers, however, appeared to push forward with a hardline posture during the first week in office, provoking unease among critics and regional observers alike.
Persecution of Palestinians
The visit by figures associated with the General Directorate of Public Security to Al-Aqsa Mosque Square on January 3 sparked global unease. Netanyahu’s government, already facing international scrutiny, saw this moment as a test of its restraint and its ability to balance internal security demands with regional diplomacy. The prime minister signaled an agenda centered on foreign policy expansion and a broader network of alliances, aiming to elevate Israel’s standing in the Middle East even as internal and external pressures mounted. A planned trip to the United Arab Emirates, slated for that week, was paused as security and logistical considerations were weighed amid ongoing controversy.
Emirati partners condemned what they described as an attack on the Al-Aqsa precinct, calling the events serious and provocative violations. They urged a UN Security Council emergency meeting to address the Palestinian situation in the ensuing days. Israeli media reported that Netanyahu’s UAE visit could be postponed to February, if not indefinitely, due to logistical concerns. Analysts noted that the Emirates perceived a missed photo opportunity with President Mohamed bin Zayed as a symbolic setback, a sentiment echoed by observers who cited the public optics around the visit as consequential to regional diplomacy.
Netanyahu appears to be learning that he must obtain a firmer handle on his ministers, particularly those with radical tendencies, if the government is to sustain broader international support. While the Palestinian issue remains a priority for many in the global community, it has not always been at the forefront of the international agenda. Still, there are red lines—crossing them invites intense criticism and possible backlash. Netanyahu, a veteran of Likud who has faced many political currents, finds his coalition partners eager to advance a program that includes broader West Bank activities and settlement-related policies. Observers say the alliance with Western and Arab partners will continue to test the government’s capacity to manage competing interests and prevent a deterioration of humanitarian conditions for Palestinians in the occupied territories.