Story perspectives

Expert Warns: Arab Leaders' Words Misinterpreted Amid Tensions

1/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

In a Maariv interview, Eyal Ofer, a Hamas economy expert, cites U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham's warning that Arab leaders' statements conflict with talks, signaling a policy shift.
Ofer argues Israel has misinterpreted Arab leaders' public declarations, which carry weight in the region.
He ties this to the October 7, 2023 massacre, citing Yahya Sinwar, Hamas leader in Gaza, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi as threats paired with secret diplomacy.

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Story summary

In a Maariv interview, Eyal Ofer, a Hamas economy expert, cites U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham's warning that Arab leaders' statements conflict with talks, signaling a policy shift.
Ofer argues Israel has misinterpreted Arab leaders' public declarations, which carry weight in the region.
He ties this to the October 7, 2023 massacre, citing Yahya Sinwar, Hamas leader in Gaza, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi as threats paired with secret diplomacy.