All of this represents a noticeable increase compared to previous surveys.
A new survey conducted by the Arab Center Washington DC (ACW) in collaboration with The Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies (ACRPS) shows a significant shift in Arab public opinion regarding recognition of Israel.
The survey, which surveyed opinions in 16 Arab countries, underscores growing opposition to normalization with Israel after the Gaza offensive.
89% of the respondents in the Arab world opposed the recognition of Israel, which represents a noticeable increase compared to previous surveys. This number not only represents an almost unanimous position against normalization, but the opposition shows a 5% increase compared to the results of the 2022 survey.
The survey detailed country-specific changes in public opinion, highlighting the dramatic shift in perspective among nations that have historically taken steps toward normalizing relations with Israel.
In Saudi Arabia, opposition rose from 38% in 2022 to 68% in the last survey. Similarly, from 67% to 78% in Morocco and from 72% to 81% in Sudan, showing a significant hardening of attitudes in different Arab societies.
These results indicate a rather negative mood in the Arab world, reflecting a deep-seated frustration and disillusionment with the peace process and the wider implications of normalization agreements.
ACW's report emphasizes that despite diplomatic efforts and political maneuvering, grassroots opposition to Israel's recognition continues to grow.
The increased resistance is particularly pronounced in countries that have formal peace agreements with Israel, such as Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco, and in countries such as Sudan that have recently begun to normalize political relations.
Despite government moves toward diplomacy, the populations of these nations appear to be near-unanimous in their opposition to recognizing Israel, underscoring a significant gap between official policy and public sentiment.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of the Gaza war and its wider geopolitical implications, the overwhelming opposition of Arab public opinion to recognizing Israel is a testament to the enduring and common solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Featured image: MTI/EPA/Jajha Arhab
