Normalization with Israel: An Analysis of Social Networks Discourse Within Gulf States

This research focuses on attitudes of social media users in the Gulf States towards normalization with the state of Israel. Over the past two decades, a system of unofficial ties has emerged between Israel and the Gulf States. These relations are the product of mutual self-interest based on cooperation in the fields of science, commerce, tourism, cyber and security. After conducting a text analysis of 150 Twitter accounts by Gulf State leaders and influencers during the years 2017–2018 it was found that while real rapprochement between Israel and many of the Gulf State regimes was discernible, social media discourse remained antagonistic towards Israel. It was found that approximately 25% of the analysed Twitter accounts encourage normalization with Israel, with the majority of support coming from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Following the peace accords between Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain in 2020, data from these states show more support for normaliztion. Our results shed light on a new cultural discourse emanating from Gulf State social media, which may influence public opinion throughout the region.