Arab nations scramble to keep back channels open with Israel

Efforts to normalize ties between the US allies in the Persian Gulf and Israel are being threatened by the outbreak of war between Hamas and Israel. Arab nations are scrambling to contain protests and work diplomatic back channels to de-escalate the situation, but the balancing act is becoming more complicated. The Saudi government hopes to resume its rapprochement with Israel, but widespread anti-Israel sentiment makes that politically unpalatable at the moment. The situation is further complicated by recent attacks in Syria and Yemen.