The unprecedented attack Hamas launched against Israel on Saturday prompted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to tell Israelis to prepare for a “long war” and raised tensions across the region.
The assault caught Israeli intelligence services completely off guard, with the US also seeming to have had no inkling that an attack was imminent.
The US shares intelligence with Israel and the consensus in Washington had been that the security situation in the country was better than it had been of late.
That had helped to set the scene for the US to hold talks to establish formal ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel under a continuation of the Abraham Accords.
The accords were signed in 2020 by Israel and the UAE and Bahrain. Agreements were later signed between Israel and Morocco and Sudan.
About a week ago, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the “Middle East region is quieter today than it has been in two decades” and sounded rosy about prospects for a Saudi-Israeli deal that reportedly would include US security guarantees and a civilian nuclear programme for Riyadh.
On Saturday, Hamas militants killed more than 100 Israeli soldiers and civilians, took dozens of Israelis hostage and launched more than 3,000 rockets.
Israel vowed to launch a major response and struck targets in Gaza, killing at least 198 people.
In a televised address on Saturday night, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who earlier declared Israel to be at war, said the military will use all of its strength to destroy Hamas’ capabilities and “take revenge for this black day.”
“This war take time. It will be difficult,” he said.
Hani El Masri, a political analyst in Ramallah, said the Hamas attack will complicate and delay efforts to normalise ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
“It will also reinforce the voices that say that without a Palestinian solution, there is no solution,” he told The National.
Three decades of on-again, off-again US-brokered negotiations have failed to produce a peace agreement and the creation of an independent Palestinian state, which has long been regarded as the key to ending the violence.
That failure has fuelled discontent, especially among Palestinians, as Israel continues to maintain its military occupation of the West Bank.
The situation had long affected efforts to establish ties between Israel and its Arab neighbours.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said in an interview last month that an agreement between the kingdom and Israel should include “easing the lives of Palestinians”, without elaborating.
Prince Mohammed denied reports that Riyadh was putting talks on hold because Israel’s right-wing government was unwilling to offer concessions to the Palestinians.
Thomas Warrick, former deputy assistant secretary for counter-terrorism policy at the US Department of Homeland Security, said the latest violence would not change the “underlying strategic dynamic” of a future agreement.
“The normalisation process is being driven by factors in the relationships between and among the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia and the other countries that are involved,” Mr Warrick, now a senior fellow at the Atlantic Coucil, told The National.
“Certainly this is going to put a pause on things, but in actuality it does not change the underlying strategic dynamic.”
Steven Cook, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, said the Hamas assault would not change the “underlying dynamic” under way between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
“It doesn't strike me that this episode will necessarily bring it to a grinding halt. After all, the Saudis have indicated their ongoing frustration with the Palestinians in the Palestinian arena,” he said on a press call.
“Whether this comes to an absolute halt will really depend very much on how the Israelis respond in the Gaza Strip.”
Previous conflicts between Israel and Hamas led to widespread destruction in Gaza and high death tolls.
With a far-right government in Israel, the situation is now even more volatile. Experts have said a pause in the expansion of Israeli settlements is among the minimum requirements to appease the Palestinians.
But the current make-up of the Israeli government will make such a demand a tough sell. Ministers in Mr Netanyahu's government have openly said they want to pursue the full annexation of the West Bank.
“If it was difficult before, it makes it almost impossible now because any compromise, any gesture, anything that you offer the Palestinians right now will be looked at by the mainstream, let alone the zealots, as rewarding terrorists, as rewarding Hamas who kill people,” Akiva Eldar, a political analyst in Israel, told The National.
“Even the minimum requirements that the Saudis are expecting, such as putting on hold expansion of settlements, is impossible.”
Mr El Masri says a lot rests on how Israel responds to this latest escalation.
“Israel could launch a massive operation on Gaza aimed at destroying Hamas. This will be difficult, but it's a possibility,” he said.
“Or, because of the hostages, which could be used as human shields, we could see American and Arab intervention leading to an agreement.”
A senior Biden administration official said Centcom commander Gen Michael Kurilla had been in contact with Israeli partners for "regular co-ordination about some of the needs that Israel anticipates".
Israel has launched four full-scale wars, and scores of military strikes on the Gaza Strip since Hamas took over the territory in a coup in 2007.
Brokered ceasefires have ended the fighting, but proven short-lived.
The most recent example was in 2021. Following weeks of tensions around Israeli actions in and around Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa Mosque compound during Ramadan, Hamas began firing rockets into Israel.
Israel responded with air strikes. Nearly 250 people were killed in Gaza and 13 in Israel in 11 days of fighting.
Gaza launches rockets into Israel – in pictures
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Europe's top EV producers
- Norway (63% of cars registered in 2021)
- Iceland (33%)
- Netherlands (20%)
- Sweden (19%)
- Austria (14%)
- Germany (14%)
- Denmark (13%)
- Switzerland (13%)
- United Kingdom (12%)
- Luxembourg (10%)
Source: VCOe
RESULT
Manchester United 1 Brighton and Hove Albion 0
Man United: Dunk (66' og)
Man of the Match: Shane Duffy (Brighton)
Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairy Tale
Starring: Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Nagarjuna Akkineni
Director: Amith Krishnan
Rating: 3.5/5
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
A%20MAN%20FROM%20MOTIHARI
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAuthor%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAbdullah%20Khan%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPenguin%20Random%20House%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPages%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E304%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EAvailable%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
La Mer lowdown
La Mer beach is open from 10am until midnight, daily, and is located in Jumeirah 1, well after Kite Beach. Some restaurants, like Cupagahwa, are open from 8am for breakfast; most others start at noon. At the time of writing, we noticed that signs for Vicolo, an Italian eatery, and Kaftan, a Turkish restaurant, indicated that these two restaurants will be open soon, most likely this month. Parking is available, as well as a Dh100 all-day valet option or a Dh50 valet service if you’re just stopping by for a few hours.
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
A%20QUIET%20PLACE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Lupita%20Nyong'o%2C%20Joseph%20Quinn%2C%20Djimon%20Hounsou%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMichael%20Sarnoski%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The Pope's itinerary
Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial
Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Saturday
West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur (3.30pm)
Burnley v Huddersfield Town (7pm)
Everton v Bournemouth (7pm)
Manchester City v Crystal Palace (7pm)
Southampton v Manchester United (7pm)
Stoke City v Chelsea (7pm)
Swansea City v Watford (7pm)
Leicester City v Liverpool (8.30pm)
Sunday
Brighton and Hove Albion v Newcastle United (7pm)
Monday
Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion (11pm)
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
SPECS
%3Cp%3E%0D%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204.0-litre%20twin-turbo%20V8%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20750hp%20at%207%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20800Nm%20at%205%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%207%20Speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETop%20speed%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20332kph%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012.2L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EYear%20end%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh1%2C430%2C000%20(coupe)%3B%20From%20Dh1%2C566%2C000%20(Spider)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
In The Heights
Directed by: Jon M. Chu
Stars: Anthony Ramos, Lin-Manual Miranda
Rating: ****
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
The five pillars of Islam
Results
2.30pm: Expo 2020 Dubai – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (Dirt) 1,600m; Winner: Barakka, Ray Dawson (jockey), Ahmad bin Harmash (trainer)
3.05pm: Now Or Never – Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,600m; Winner: One Idea, Andrea Atzeni, Doug Watson
3.40pm: This Is Our Time – Handicap (TB) Dh82,500 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Perfect Balance, Tadhg O’Shea, Bhupat Seemar
4.15pm: Visit Expo 2020 – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Kaheall, Richard Mullen, Salem bin Ghadayer
4.50pm: The World In One Place – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1.900m; Winner: Castlebar, Adrie de Vries, Helal Al Alawi
5.25pm: Vision – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 1,200m; Winner: Shanty Star, Richard Mullen, Rashed Bouresly
6pm: Al Wasl Plaza – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: Jadwal, Dane O’Neill, Doug Watson
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
Men's football draw
Group A: UAE, Spain, South Africa, Jamaica
Group B: Bangladesh, Serbia, Korea
Group C: Bharat, Denmark, Kenya, USA
Group D: Oman, Austria, Rwanda
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
