How did oil wealth impact Arab-Israeli relations?

Oil wealth significantly influenced Arab-Israeli relations, often exacerbating tensions and conflicts due to economic and geopolitical interests.

The discovery of oil in the Middle East in the early 20th century dramatically altered the region's geopolitical landscape. The Arab nations, many of which were major oil producers, gained significant economic power. This wealth was often used to fund military build-ups and support for Palestinian resistance against Israel, thereby escalating the Arab-Israeli conflict.

The 1973 Yom Kippur War is a prime example of how oil wealth impacted Arab-Israeli relations. Following the war, the Arab members of OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) imposed an oil embargo on nations perceived as supporting Israel, including the United States and the Netherlands. This led to the 1973 oil crisis, which saw a quadrupling of oil prices, causing economic turmoil in many western countries. The embargo demonstrated the power that Arab nations had gained through their control of oil resources, and their willingness to use this power to influence international relations in their favour.

Moreover, oil wealth has also played a role in shaping the alliances and rivalries within the Middle East. Countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia, both major oil producers, have often been at odds due to their differing stances on the Arab-Israeli conflict. Saudi Arabia, despite its public rhetoric, has often been seen as more willing to engage in behind-the-scenes diplomacy with Israel, while Iran has been a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause.

Furthermore, oil wealth has also influenced the foreign policies of major powers towards the Arab-Israeli conflict. The United States, for instance, has often been accused of supporting Israel due to its strategic interest in securing access to Middle Eastern oil. Similarly, the Soviet Union, and later Russia, have often supported Arab nations in the conflict, in part due to their own interests in the region's oil resources.

In conclusion, oil wealth has had a profound impact on Arab-Israeli relations. It has often exacerbated tensions and conflicts, shaped alliances and rivalries within the region, and influenced the foreign policies of major powers.