WHERE A SMILE IS TREASON

“Sinful Smile” – Why the Arab World Is Again in an Uproar Over Israel

President Herzog set off a storm in the Arab world by merely being himself. And what that says about the prospect of further normalization.

 

Israel Today 

November 8, 2022

 

President Isaac Herzog,left, is seen briefly chatting amicably with Tunisia’s Prime Minister Najla Bouden, right, during the world leaders’ photograph at the COP27 in Egypt, November 7, 2022

 

The Abraham Accords have been successful not only at a diplomatic level, but also in fostering coexistence between Israel and some Arab populations. The key word there: Some. The others apparently remain wholehearted enemies of the Jewish state.

In fact, a mere smile was enough to set off the Arab masses this week, when it appeared their leaders were getting a little too friendly with Israel President Isaac Herzog.

Herzog is in the Sinai Peninsula for the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 27), along with leaders from all over the world, including the Middle East.

On Monday, the leaders took a group photo, and Herzog was positioned near the leaders of Tunisia and Lebanon. If that wasn’t bad enough, Tunisian Prime Minister Najla Bouden was spotted not only conversing with Herzog, but actually smiling at the Israeli president!

 

Tunisia’s Prime Minister Najla Bouden

 

Arab social media erupted in outrage.

“That smile is sinful! I hope you didn’t invite him to visit Tunisia,” wailed a Lebanese journalist.

Far and wide concern was expressed that the brief friendly chat heralded the beginning of normalization between Israel and Tunisia. Many demanded that Tunisia President Kais Saied charge Bouden with treason.

 

Tunisia's President Kais Saied

 

We have reported in the past on how Kais Saied is the most antisemitic leader in the Arab world today, and has in the past deemed it treason for any Arab nation to make peace with the Jewish state.

But Bouden wasn’t the only Arab leader under fire.

The video clips and audio recordings of the photo-op also reveal that Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati engaged Herzog in a jovial manner.

“Why is Mikati talking to him [Herzog]? What did he say to him?” demanded a Lebanese journalist.

Some believed that the recent maritime agreement between Israel and Lebanon had marked the beginning of warmer relations. But given the reaction to Mikati doing little more than smiling in agreement with something Herzog said, it seems such optimism might be premature.