Recently, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen made the statement that with peace agreements in place, 6 to 7 more Muslim countries, in addition to Saudi Arabia, will also recognize Israel. This represents a new geopolitical landscape for the Muslim world.
He also hinted that the countries establishing relations with Israel after Saudi Arabia have connections with Asia and Africa. In response to this, Pakistan felt the need to clarify its position immediately. Our Foreign Minister, Jalil Abbas Jilani, stated that Islamabad has no intention of recognizing Israel, and any decision Pakistan makes will take into account the interests of the its people and the Palestinians.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia both desire that peace agreements lead to the realization of the rights of the oppressed people of occupied Palestine and that a sustainable solution to the Palestinian issue is reached. However, Israel is not likely to make such concessions.
During this period, Saudi Arabia is also taking into account the interests of Muslim countries and assessing global situations. The headquarters of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is in Jeddah, and Saudi Arabia holds considerable influence in the organization. Saudi decisions regarding Israel’s recognition can have a significant impact on other Muslim countries.
Both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are under pressure from their own people and the Muslim Ummah to ensure that any decisions regarding Israel’s recognition must include a just solution to the Palestinian issue.
It should be noted that Israel holds religious significance for Muslims, Christians, and Jews due to the presence of the holy city of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque. Israel is a developed nation and a member of the UN, with a population exceeding 9 million in 2021. Like Pakistan, Israel also practices a parliamentary system of government where the Prime Minister is the head of state. Israel’s relations with the United States are strong, encompassing various aspects, including counterterrorism and intelligence sharing.
Israel is also a significant exporter of various products, including diamonds, integrated circuits (ICs), refined petroleum products, and medical equipment. Pakistan and other Muslim-majority countries are trading with Israeli companies, not only selling their products but also benefiting from Israel’s expertise in various fields. In 2021, Israel’s export-import volume reached billions of dollars.
If Saudi Arabia or other Muslim countries recognize Israel and reach an acceptable resolution for the Palestinian people, Pakistan may find itself in a challenging or even impossible position if it chooses not to recognize Israel. Therefore, Pakistan’s decision regarding this matter may become clearer after more Muslim countries make their stance known.
It’s important to understand that recognizing Israel is not an easy decision for any Muslim-majority country. The geopolitical implications are significant, and it could lead to closer ties between Israel, the United States, allied countries, and even economic benefits in some cases. However, such decisions are often politically and emotionally charged, and they must consider the sentiments and interests of the people they represent.
