Arab World Divided in Reactions to Killing of Hezbollah Chief Nasrallah, Reports Reuters

By Jaidaa Taha

In Cairo, the recent killing of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah by Israel has sparked a notably subdued response from many Sunni-led states in the region. This silence highlights the ongoing divide between public sentiment, which is often outraged by Israel’s actions, and the governments that have normalised relations with Israel or are opposed to Iran, Hezbollah’s backer.

Nasrallah, who had led the influential Shi’ite group for over three decades, garnered enmity not only from Israel and the West but also from several regional powers. While the Gulf Cooperation Council and the broader Arab League designated his group a "terrorist organization" in 2016, that designation was retracted earlier this year.

Saudi Arabia expressed its "grave concern" regarding developments in Lebanon, calling for the protection of the country’s sovereignty, but notably did not comment on Nasrallah’s death. Similarly, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain have remained silent.

In contrast, Bahraini state media reported that LuaLua TV, which is pro-Iran, aired footage of small protests mourning Nasrallah. This led to claims of government crackdowns on demonstrators, as well as the reported detention of a Shi’ite cleric who expressed condolences, although these reports have not been verified independently.

The Egyptian presidency issued a statement indicating that President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi spoke with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, affirming Egypt’s rejection of any violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty, without mentioning Nasrallah. Historically, Egypt has been critical of Iran and its proxies, although it has maintained informal engagement with Iranian officials in recent years.

In his first televised address following Nasrallah’s killing, Sisi commented on the precarious circumstances in the region but did not address Nasrallah. Meanwhile, Syria and Iraq have declared a three-day mourning period for the Hezbollah leader.

Public reaction to Nasrallah’s death has been mixed across various Arab nations. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hamad al-Khalili, the grand mufti of Oman, expressed sadness over Nasrallah’s passing, recognizing his opposition to Israel over many years. However, others voiced criticisms, notably regarding Hezbollah’s involvement in the Syrian civil war, which many believe led to significant suffering for the Syrian people.

Iraqi journalist Omar AlJmmal questioned whether Nasrallah deserved sympathy given the high toll of his actions in Syria. Similarly, a journalist based in the UAE shared a video purportedly showing celebrations in Idlib, Syria, following news of Nasrallah’s death, while another Saudi poet remarked that the reaction of joy from some should not be viewed as mere hostility but rather as a response to Hezbollah’s controversial policies.

While sentiments remain varied, some voices have urged unity among Arabs in light of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and recent escalations in Lebanon. An Egyptian television host reminded people that now is not a time for division but a moment requiring solidarity against external aggressions faced by Arab nations.