Israel’s September 9th airstrike on Qatar has shattered Gulf states’ assumptions about regional security. Rather, the Gulf states are now unavoidably entangled in an escalation with Israel, which is threating to pull them into direct conflict. [1]But the reality that Gulf states find now themselves in could also push them to seek new security formats independent of America. Beyond words of condemnation, the Gulf (and Arab) response to Israeli aggression has been very slow, with hesitation to deploy any leverage. [1] Author’s interview with Qatari officials, over the phone, September 10th 2025[2] Author’s interviews with various Gulf officials, online, September 10th-18th[3] Author’s interviews with various Gulf officials, online, September 10th-18th