Those who read the statements of the leaders of Arab countries in recent days were momentarily confused. From the convoluted, diplomatic rhetoric to anger, it seemed that what happened on October 7 was another escalation, one of many we have known since 2007, when Hamas occupied Gaza.
Once again, the Egyptian president and Jordan's king are "stepping up efforts to immediately stop the escalation." Once again, they call for "intervention by the international community." These announcements reflect the level of detachment that gripped the Arab rulers. The massacres on Black Shabbat, Simchat Torah, are not "just another barrage of rockets." They are not "just another terrorist attack." They are a declaration of war on the Jewish state. The warnings in the north on Wednesday night are a painful reminder of this situation.
Iran is now working diplomatically and militarily to support Hamas and its aides. First, its pro-Iranian militias in Yemen and Iraq threaten to intervene as a counterweight to possible American intervention. For example, the Iraqi Hezbollah Brigades declared that they would strike American bases. Second, it seeks to renew the smuggling route from Sudan, with which it has renewed relations in the shadow of the country's civil war. Third, its proxy in Lebanon – Hezbollah – is escalating the northern front, as are pro-Iranian elements in Syria. In the heart of these crumbling countries, where there is chaos, Tehran finds a ladder.
Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei (archive), photo: Reuters
It seems that the Arab countries have forgotten this reality. In a belated statement to the media, Egyptian President el-Sisi referred to the war. Cairo is more concerned about the possibility of a mass flight from Gaza to the Sinai Peninsula. "The Palestinian issue will not be solved at the expense of others," Sisi hinted.
In recent days, reports have been published by Egyptian sources that their Israeli counterparts have received a warning about "something big" happening in the Gaza Strip. These reports attest not only to the intensity of complacency in Israel, but also to the Egyptians' embarrassment and desire to evade responsibility as mediators responsible for quiet in the area. They failed resoundingly. And precisely at a time of economic crisis, when Cairo needs Washington more than ever, it must not be allowed to renounce its commitment. Gaza was, and always will be, Egypt's problem.
Soldiers in the field of the massacre in Re'im, photo: Oren Cohen
Meanwhile, Qatar, which nippled the Hamas monster with its own hands, is busy washing the blood in its own way. For years, Israel allowed it to funnel more than a billion dollars to Hamas. It is highly doubtful whether the grants officially transferred to "needy families" did not roll over to the terrorist organization and its military buildup. It is highly doubtful that the fuel purchased in Egypt and transferred through Rafah Crossing will not now be used by the generators in the tunnels. Therefore, in the emirate that hosts the murderers, a trial balloon of a prisoner deal is now being launched. Israel must do everything it can to free the captives, including making offers, but the filthy affair with Qatar must end.
The conclusion is that Israel must form a regional and international counterfront. The horrific images circulating on social media themselves attest to the degree of evil that has spread through the hearts of Gazans. To all of us, they reminded us in a frightening way of the Nazi enemy. The response should be accordingly. Because the artificial separation between the factions of Salafi, fundamentalist Islam has faded. In a sense, Hamas's "pragmatism" has been exposed as more dangerous than ISIS. It demands that Israel make it clear that Hamas is not only interested in taking over Jerusalem, but also Cairo, Amman, and in the future, Western capitals as well.
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