A new survey conducted by the Arab Center Washington DC (ACW) in collaboration with The Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies (ACRPS) recorded a significant shift in the Arab public’s approach concerning the recognition of the State of Israel, with an overwhelming number currently standing against normalizing ties with Israel.
The comprehensive poll, which gauged sentiments across 16 Arab countries, underscores a growing resistance against normalization with Israel due to the war in Gaza.
In the survey, 89% of respondents from the Arab world opposed recognizing the Jewish state, marking an increase from previous polls. This figure not only represents a nearly unanimous stance against normalization, it also indicates a 5% rise in opposition compared to the results from the 2022 survey, where 84% stood against recognition.
The poll detailed notable country-specific shifts in public opinion, highlighting a dramatic change in perspective among nations that have historically taken steps toward normalizing relations with Israel.
In Saudi Arabia, opposition surged from 38% in 2022 to 68% in the latest poll. Similarly, Morocco saw an increase from 67% to 78%, and Sudan from 72% to 81%, showcasing a significant hardening of attitudes across diverse Arab societies.
Findings show disillusionment with normalization
These findings signal a profound and growing sentiment within the Arab world, reflecting deep-seated frustrations and disillusionment with the peace process and the broader implications of normalization agreements. The ACW's report emphasizes that, despite diplomatic efforts and political maneuvers, the grassroots opposition to recognizing Israel remains robust and is, in fact, intensifying.
The heightened opposition is especially pronounced in countries that have formal peace agreements with Israel, such as Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco, as well as those like Sudan, which have recently begun normalizing political relations.
Despite governmental moves towards diplomacy, there appears to be a near-consensus among the populations of these nations against the recognition of Israel, accentuating a significant disconnect between official policy and public sentiment.
The ACW survey sheds light on the complex and evolving dynamics of Arab-Israeli relations, capturing a moment of significant transition in the Arab public’s stance towards Israel and the peace process. As the region grapples with the Israel-Hamas war and its broader geopolitical ramifications, the overwhelming opposition to recognizing Israel’s right to exist among the Arab public stands as a testament to their enduring and shared solidarity with the Palestinian cause.