Recent Israel-Arab 'normalization' deals put on hold amid ongoing conflict, says former Israeli ambassador

By Abdel Ra'ouf D. A. R. Arnaout Mehmet Nuri Ucar

JERUSALEM (AA) - The signing of “normalization” agreements between Israel and Arab countries has been halted because of the current conflict, Israel’s former ambassador to Cairo said Friday.

Itzhak Levanon told Anadolu he does not believe there is any current discussion about normalization, and he thinks it is best to wait until the war is over to see what happens next.

"I don't think anyone is talking about progress in the normalization process right now because there is a war going on,” he said. “Especially, we can see what Hezbollah is doing in the north. There is also the possibility that this war could continue. Additionally, we can see what Iran is up to.”

Stressing Israel's monitoring of demonstrations in Arab countries and considering the people's attitudes, Levanon expressed doubts about whether the situation would lead to Tel Aviv's decision to withdraw from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The conflict in Gaza, under Israel bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood -- a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, along with stepping up raids and arrests in the occupied West Bank.

The Israeli siege has left the 2.3 million residents in Gaza with little food, water, fuel and medical supplies.

At least 4,137 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on the Palestinian enclave, while that figure stands at more than 1,400 in Israel.

*Writing by Esra Tekin in Istanbul