BEHIND THE DIPLOMATIC SMILE, THERE IS GREAT ANGER AGAINST NETANYAHU
📌 OPENING – THE SMILE THAT DOES NOT REACH THE EYES In Middle East diplomacy, smiles are abundant. Handshakes are firm. Photographs are carefully staged. To the outside world, everything appears warm, respectful, and forward‑looking. But diplomats read the space between the gestures. Right now, in the corridors of Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Manama, and Cairo, the smiles directed at Netanyahu’s Israel are not reaching the eyes. Behind closed doors, a different conversation is taking place. One of frustration, disappointment, and quiet fury. “Arab leaders are masters of diplomatic courtesy. They will smile for the cameras. But their staff will tell you the truth: trust in Netanyahu is gone.” 📜 CHAPTER 1 – THE PUBLIC VERSUS PRIVATE REALITY Public Display Private Reality Smiling handshakes “We cannot rely on him” Statements of cooperation “He leaks everything” Economic agreements signed “He will take credit and forget commitments” “Strategic partnership” rhetoric “We are keeping our distance” “Wh...