The creation of Israel posed numerous challenges to the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries. After gaining independence, Israel adopted policies of expansionism and brutality. Innocent Palestinians were forced to leave their homes and migrate to neighboring countries, which created both traditional and non-traditional security threats for Arab states. Undoubtedly, the geopolitical, geostrategic, and geo-economic dynamics of the region shifted following the establishment of this new Jewish state.

Orthodox Jewish communities, which hold significant influence in Israel’s political system, have contributed to the formulation of aggressive policies toward Palestinians and neighboring states. Several wars have taken place between Israel and MENA countries, none of which ended in a decisive victory. Instead, Israel continued expanding its territory by capturing land from sovereign neighboring nations. These shifting geopolitical realities invited major global powers into the region and incentivized the formation of bloc politics.

Israel’s growing nuclear ambiguity and the escalating security dilemma have fueled an arms race in the MENA region. The refugee crisis, mass migration, emergence of proxy groups such as Hezbollah, Houthis, and Hamas, the violation of international law, the breach of neighboring countries’ sovereignty, acts of genocide, mass killings, and other forms of traditional and non-traditional threats have intensified as a result of Israel’s creation. This essay explores these complex security challenges and proposes potential recommendations to prevent war and promote a peaceful and coexistent MENA region.

The establishment of Israel stems from historical, political, and religious factors, driven by the Jewish yearning for a........

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