Israel, the Muslim World, and the United States: A Geopolitical Triangle of Conflict and Power

Introduction

The Middle East has long been the focal point of world politics, not only due to its geographical significance but also because of its cultural, religious, and economic importance. Central to this discourse lies the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Muslim world, a relationship marked by tension, wars, failed peace efforts, and deep mistrust. Adding a further layer of complexity is the role of the United States, which has been Israel’s closest ally while simultaneously maintaining strategic ties with key Muslim-majority nations.

This triangular relationship—Israel, the Muslim world, and the United States—has shaped global politics for decades. To fully understand it, one must look at its historical background, ideological underpinnings, economic stakes, and the evolving regional and international dynamics. This essay explores these elements in detail, offering a comprehensive view of where the conflict stands today and where it may lead tomorrow.

Historical Background

The Creation of Israel and Arab Opposition

The origins of the Israeli-Muslim world conflict can be traced back to the early 20th century when Jewish immigration to Palestine increased under the British Mandate. The culmination came in 1948 with the declaration of the State of Israel, an event celebrated by Jews worldwide but seen as the Nakba (catastrophe) by Palestinians and the wider Muslim world. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were displaced, igniting resentment that has persisted for generations.

Immediately after Israel’s creation, neighboring Arab states—including Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq—went to war, marking the beginning of decades of hostility. Israel emerged victorious, expanding its territory, which deepened Muslim opposition.

Wars and Shifting Power (1948–1973)

The wars of 1956, 1967, and 1973 further entrenched animosities. In the Six-Day War of 1967, Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem, Sinai Peninsula, and Golan Heights. These territorial gains gave Israel control over holy sites revered by Muslims, intensifying the religious dimension of the conflict.

Cold War Era and the Role of the U.S.

During the Cold War, the United States aligned itself firmly with Israel, while many Muslim countries leaned toward the Soviet Union. This alignment cemented the U.S. role as Israel’s protector and arms supplier, deepening suspicion among Muslim-majority states about Washington’s intentions.



The Muslim World’s Perspective

Religious Solidarity

For much of the Muslim world, opposition to Israel is rooted in religious solidarity with Palestinians, particularly regarding Jerusalem (Al-Quds), home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque—the third holiest site in Islam. The loss of Jerusalem to Israeli control is viewed as a deep wound in Muslim consciousness.

Pan-Arabism and Nationalism

In addition to religion, Arab nationalism has historically fueled opposition to Israel. Leaders like Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt sought to unite Arabs against what was perceived as Western-backed colonialism embodied by Israel.

Fragmentation within the Muslim World

However, the Muslim world has never been a monolithic bloc. While some countries, like Iran, remain staunchly opposed to Israel’s existence, others, such as Egypt and Jordan, have signed peace treaties. More recently, the Abraham Accords of 2020 normalized relations between Israel and several Gulf states, showing a pragmatic shift toward economic and security cooperation.



Israel’s Position

Security Concerns

For Israel, survival has always been paramount. Surrounded by countries that historically denied its legitimacy, Israel developed a strong military and sought alliances with major powers, particularly the United States.

Settlement Expansion and Occupation

Israel’s continued settlement expansion in the West Bank, along with its control of Gaza through blockades, has kept tensions high. Critics in the Muslim world see this as proof that Israel is uninterested in genuine peace.

Diplomatic Strategy

Despite opposition, Israel has pursued normalization with selective Muslim countries. The peace treaty with Egypt in 1979, Jordan in 1994, and the Abraham Accords show Israel’s pragmatic efforts to break out of isolation.



The Role of the United States

Strategic Alliance with Israel

The U.S. has been Israel’s strongest supporter, providing billions of dollars annually in military aid, advanced weaponry, and diplomatic backing at the United Nations. This alliance is rooted in shared democratic values, strong domestic pro-Israel lobbies, and the strategic value of having a reliable partner in the Middle East.

Balancing Act with Muslim Nations

At the same time, the U.S. has deep economic and security ties with Muslim-majority countries, particularly in the Gulf, due to oil and counterterrorism cooperation. Washington has often tried to balance its support for Israel with the need to maintain relations with countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey.

Mediation Efforts

The U.S. has frequently acted as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, from the Camp David Accords to the Oslo Accords. However, critics argue that the U.S. has rarely been an impartial broker, as it often favors Israeli interests.



Key Flashpoints in Israel-Muslim World Relations

The Palestinian Question

The core of the conflict remains the Palestinian issue. For the Muslim world, a just solution to Palestinian statehood is essential before normalization with Israel can be fully realized.

Jerusalem and Holy Sites

Control of Jerusalem, especially Al-Aqsa, is a deeply emotional and religious issue for Muslims worldwide. U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 2017 under Donald Trump heightened tensions.

Iran-Israel Rivalry

Iran’s opposition to Israel has added another layer of conflict. Tehran’s support for Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza has made it a central player in the Israel-Muslim world standoff. The U.S., siding with Israel, has worked to contain Iranian influence, further polarizing the region.



Economic and Geopolitical Dimensions

Oil and Energy Politics

The U.S.’s engagement with Muslim nations is not solely about religion or security; it is also driven by oil. American dependence on Middle Eastern oil in the 20th century shaped its policies, though this dependence has lessened in recent years.

Trade and Technology

Israel has become a hub for technology and innovation, attracting investment from even some Muslim nations despite official hostilities. Economic pragmatism is slowly reshaping old enmities.

Shifting Alliances

The rise of China and Russia as influential players in the Middle East has further complicated the Israel-Muslim world-U.S. triangle. Muslim nations now have alternatives to U.S. patronage, giving them more leverage.



The Future of Relations

Possible Scenarios

1. Continued Conflict: Without resolution of the Palestinian issue, hostility will persist, fueling extremism and instability.

2. Gradual Normalization: Economic interests and common threats (like Iran) may push more Muslim countries to normalize with Israel.

3. New Cold War Dynamics: With global powers competing for influence, the U.S.-Israel-Muslim world relationship may become part of a broader geopolitical rivalry.



The Role of Youth and Public Opinion

Surveys across Muslim countries show strong public support for Palestine, even when governments pursue normalization with Israel. This disconnect may lead to internal political challenges in the Muslim world.



Conclusion

The relationship between Israel, the Muslim world, and the United States is one of the most complex and consequential issues in modern geopolitics. Rooted in history, religion, nationalism, and great-power rivalry, it has shaped wars, diplomacy, and alliances for decades. While the U.S. has been Israel’s unwavering supporter, it has also sought to maintain its influence across the Muslim world through oil, trade, and security cooperation.

The future of this triangular relationship depends largely on whether a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian question can be found. Without it, mistrust and hostility will endure, potentially fueling further conflict. But with pragmatic leadership, regional cooperation, and balanced U.S. diplomacy, there remains hope for a future where coexistence replaces confrontation.