Arab Countries Express Concerns over Iran-Israel Escalation

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Iran's large-scale rocket attack on Israel on Saturday night, April 13, drew condemnation from several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. Surprisingly, several Arab countries were also sympathetic to Israel.

Jordan reportedly had helped Israel by shooting down an Iranian drone, leading to protests from many. The following is a list of Arab countries that have expressed concern about Israel.

Egypt

As reported by Daily News Egypt, Egypt expressed deep concern over reports of Iranian drones in Israel and the escalating tensions between the two countries. In a statement issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry on April 13, Egypt called for maximum restraint to avert further instability and tension in the region.

Egypt also reaffirmed its commitment to cooperating with all relevant parties in a bid to de-escalate tensions and keep the region from descending into further instability that could jeopardize the interests of its citizens.

Jordan

On Sunday, April 14, Jordanian Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh said that any escalation in the region would lead to "dangerous paths" and called on all parties to de-escalate. He told the cabinet that the country's military forces would repel any attempt by any party aiming to jeopardize the kingdom's security.

However, Jordan is in the spotlight after its air force stepped in to help Israel. According to Times of Israel, Jordanian fighter jets shot down dozens of Iranian drones flying over northern and central Jordan toward Israel.

Jordan clarified that its action was an act of self-defense and not in support of Israel. It was a response to maintain balance in the country, which has historically supported the Palestinians, and an attempt to avoid being drawn into a conflict between Israel and Hamas, an ally of Iran.

In a phone call on April 14, Jordan's King Abdullah told U.S. President Joe Biden that his country "will not be an arena for a regional war" and that any "escalation by Israel would only widen the circle of conflict," according to the state-run media.

King Abdullah also stressed the need for an immediate end to escalation in the region.

Qatar

Apart from Egypt and Jordan, Qatar also expressed its concern over Iran's attack on Israel and called on all parties to “stop the escalation” and “exercise maximum restraint.”

In an April 14 statement, Qatar’s Foreign Affairs Ministry urged ‘the international community to take urgent action to defuse tension and de-escalate the situation in the region’. The ministry also stressed the government’s commitment to supporting all regional and international efforts to achieve regional and international security and stability. 

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia also expressed its deep concern regarding the military escalation in the region, according to a statement issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 14 as reported by Al Arabiya.

The Kingdom urged all parties to maintain the highest level of self-control and protect its territory and citizens from the dangers of war. The Kingdom also stressed the need for the UN Security Council to be responsible for maintaining international peace and security.

Saudi issued a warning, stating that if the problem worsens, there would be "serious consequences."

Iran launched a swarm of explosive drones and missiles at Israel on April 13 as its retaliatory attack, two weeks after Israel attacked the Iranian consulate building in Damascus, Syria.

According to Israeli military officials, Iran’s attack involved more than 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles, and 120 ballistic missiles, and caused minor damage to an Israeli military facility.

ANDIKA DWI | RIZKI DEWI AYU | AL ARABIYA | AL JAZEERA

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