Which countries have severed ties with Israel?
The relationship between Israel and other countries has been a complex and often contentious issue, with some nations choosing to sever diplomatic ties due to various political, economic, and social reasons. Over the years, several countries have decided to break off relations with Israel, leading to significant changes in the geopolitical landscape. This article explores some of the countries that have severed ties with Israel and the reasons behind their decisions.
One of the most notable instances of a country severing ties with Israel was Egypt in 1979. After the Camp David Accords, which led to a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, diplomatic relations were established. However, in 2012, following the Egyptian revolution and the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt’s new government suspended diplomatic ties with Israel. The move was seen as a response to Israel’s military operation in Gaza and the broader regional tensions in the Middle East.
Another country that severed ties with Israel was Syria in 2011. The Syrian government, under President Bashar al-Assad, cut diplomatic relations with Israel in response to the Israeli military operation in Gaza and the ongoing conflict in Syria. The decision was also influenced by the growing influence of Iran in the region and the Assad regime’s desire to align more closely with Iran and other anti-Israeli nations.
In 2017, Turkey, a long-time ally of Israel, announced the severing of diplomatic ties following a series of disputes. The tensions began when Israel accused Turkey of supporting Kurdish rebels in Syria, and the situation escalated when Turkey downed an Israeli fighter jet over Syrian airspace. The decision to sever ties was a significant blow to Israel’s foreign policy, as Turkey was one of its closest allies in the Middle East.
In 2019, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also severed diplomatic ties with Israel. The move was in response to Israel’s annexation of the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, which was widely condemned by the international community. The Saudi-UAE decision to cut ties with Israel marked a significant shift in the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape, as both countries had previously maintained warm relations with Israel.
In conclusion, several countries have severed ties with Israel over the years, often due to political and regional tensions. The list includes Egypt, Syria, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. These decisions have had a profound impact on the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape and have raised questions about the future of Israel’s relations with its neighbors.
