The intricate web of alliances in the Middle East is being put to a severe test by the crisis sparked by an Israeli attack in Qatar. The United States, the UAE, and Israel are all navigating a diplomatic minefield, trying to protect their interests without alienating key partners in the process.
For the U.S., the challenge is to manage the fallout between two critical allies: Israel, its staunchest military partner, and Qatar, a vital diplomatic and military hub. President Trump’s careful criticism of the strike reflects an attempt to thread this needle, but it has not fully assuaged either side.
For the UAE, the test is even more acute. Its landmark normalization with Israel is clashing with its obligations as a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Its decision to publicly condemn Israel’s “hostile” remarks shows it is prioritizing regional solidarity, a move that puts its new relationship with Israel under considerable strain.
For Israel, the incident tests the limits of its military freedom of action in a region where it has recently made diplomatic inroads. The strong negative reaction from both the U.S. and the UAE suggests that its new alliances come with expectations of restraint that it may have underestimated. The ongoing summit in Doha will only intensify this pressure.
