Gulf states rally after Israel’s strike on Qatar, but struggle for options

For decades, Gulf Arab states projected themselves as islands of stability in a volatile region, fueled by oil wealth and global investments. That stability cracked this year when first Iran, and now Israel, directly struck Qatar. The Israeli attack, which targeted Hamas’ political leadership in Doha, has brought the war in Gaza uncomfortably close to Gulf capitals.

Qatar has promised a “collective response” with its neighbors, though officials admit discussions are still ongoing. The UAE, which has diplomatic ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords, quickly sent President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Doha to show solidarity and summoned an Israeli diplomat to condemn the strike as “cowardly.” Analysts say Gulf states want to project unity but are constrained by limited options.The Abraham Accords are a set of agreements to normalise relations with Israel. The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed during U.S. President Donald Trump's first term in 2020, breaking a longstanding taboo to become the first Arab states to recognise Israel in a quarter century. Morocco and Sudan followed suit.

Diplomatic and legal moves are at the forefront. Qatar secured a UN Security Council statement condemning Israel’s attack and hinted at pursuing international legal action. Analysts believe Gulf countries could, for the first time, collectively support cases against Israel at international courts. The UAE may also consider scaling back its involvement in the Abraham Accords.

On the security front, Gulf leaders are weighing activation of the decades-old “Peninsula Shield Force” pact, potentially creating a unified Gulf command and missile defense system. But the region’s reliance on US military support—and Washington’s strong backing of Israel complicates their ability to act independently. Analysts suggest this may push Gulf states to demand clearer US defense guarantees or diversify their security partners.

Economically, Gulf countries hold a powerful card: trillions of dollars in sovereign wealth funds. Experts say they could quietly use investments to apply pressure by limiting ties with Israeli-linked firms. Yet, Gulf leaders remain wary of harming relations with Washington, especially after committing massive investments into the US economy under Trump’s presidency.

For now, Gulf states are caught between anger at Israel’s strike, fear of escalating conflict, and the need to preserve vital international partnerships. The attack has underscored their vulnerability, forcing them to balance solidarity with Qatar against the geopolitical realities of the Middle East.