FDD's Foreign Podicy The Arab Case for Israel
Mar 13, 2026
Hussain Abdul‑Hussain, research fellow and author of The Arab Case for Israel, explains his journey from skepticism to arguing Arab support for normalization. He covers Iran’s regional role, why some Gulf states moved toward Israel, Palestinian identity origins, refugee practicalities, and how economic ties could reshape Middle East politics.
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Iran's Strategy Forces Israel Toward Conclusive Wars
- Iran and its proxies design repeated low-intensity conflicts to wear down Israel, but after October 7 Israel aims for conclusive operations to remove offensive capabilities.
- Hussain Abdul-Hussain compares this to 'mowing the lawn' shifting to getting to the roots to prevent recurring threats, not necessarily regime collapse.
Gulf States Growing Frustrated With Iran
- Gulf states are angrier at Iran than they publicly show because Iran exposed its aggressiveness and regional threat.
- The UAE signals possible isolation of Tehran if the regime remains, showing warming Arab-Israeli alignment incentives.
Personal Journey From Hatred To Support For Israel
- Hussain describes his personal shift from hating Israel to supporting its nationhood after exposure to Israeli society and debate.
- He learned Hebrew, listened to Israeli radio, and saw everyday Israeli life, which shattered his prior stereotypes.
