The Arab leaders are in a bind over Israel

by Panzer
- [Sam] The armed Palestinian group Hamas
launched their attack inside Israel on October 7th, 2023,
because it was a significant anniversary for them,
exactly 50 years and one day
before Egyptian and Syrian troops
launched a surprise invasion into Israel,
sparking one of the most significant wars
in the eight decades of conflict here
between Arabs and Israelis.
- [Newscaster] The fighting broke out
during the most important religious holidays of the year
for both Jews and Arabs.
For the Jews, it was Yom Kipper.
- [Sam] The coalition of Arab countries
united behind Egypt and Syria.
They sent them weapons, soldiers,
and even weaponized their oil supply.
- They will reduce oil production by 5% a month
until the Israelis withdraw from occupied territories.
- [Sam] But after Hamas'
surprise attack in October, 2023,
none of the Arab states sent their armies into help.
Some countries voice support.
Syria called Hamas' attack an honorable achievement.
But others initially condemned them.
The UAE called the attack a serious engrave escalation.
And some walked a fine line between the two.
Egypt asked for exercising maximum restraint,
and Saudi Arabia called
for an immediate cessation of the escalation.
Weeks later,
as Israel kills thousands of Palestinians in Gaza,
the Arab governments are still divided
and on the sidelines.
But their people are demanding
that they do more to make Israel stop,
and it's making these Arab governments nervous.
- There must be absolutely great concerns
that this popular resentment could easily go sideways.