Saudi Arabia Sanctions: From Blockades to Promoting Israeli Goods

Introduction

From the blockade of Qatar to the embargo on Lebanon and Turkey, and even the controversial promotion of Israeli products, Saudi Arabia sanctions policy has become a focal point of analysis and debate.

This article delves into the complexities of Saudi Arabia's sanctions strategy, exploring the motivations behind these actions and examining their implications on regional dynamics. By shedding light on this multifaceted approach, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of Saudi Arabia's role in the realm of sanctions.

The Saudi opposition newspaper "Voice of the People" released a report highlighting the utilization of economic sanctions by Mohammed bin Salman according to his own interests.

The publication further states that while Saudi Arabia actively supported the boycott of Turkish products and led the blockade against Qatar, it took a disappointing stance by refusing to boycott Israeli products.

Saudi Policy for Sanctions

In October 2020, there was a clash between the foreign policies of Saudi Arabia and Turkey regarding Qatar. During this time, the Saudi Arabian authorities supported the campaign to impose sanctions on Turkish-made goods.

Saudi Arabia Sanctions Against Qatar

Since June 2017, Saudi Arabia has implemented a comprehensive and severe blockade against Qatar, which has lasted for four years. As part of this blockade, Saudi Arabia launched various campaigns to boycott Qatar, including cutting ties and blocking all land, sea, and air routes between Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Media and Propaganda Campaign

The publication suggests that the Saudi media should exert maximum effort in launching a comprehensive and extensive media and propaganda campaign. The aim of this campaign would be to intensify the severity and bitterness of the economic and social crisis faced by the people of Qatar.

Saudi Arabia Sanctions Against Turkey

Saudi Arabia sanctions extended beyond goods in relation to Turkey, It implemented stringent policies towards Saudi investors and businessmen operating in Turkey, resulting in significant and detrimental losses for them. This had a widespread impact on both countries' investment sectors and banks, causing substantial economic repercussions.

Halting Exports, Imports, and Commercial Exchanges

During this period, Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, took the drastic step of halting all exports, imports, and commercial exchanges between the two countries. The situation escalated further following the brutal murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a prominent Saudi dissident journalist, on the orders of the Saudi Crown Prince inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018. The Ankara government strongly condemned this act, leading to a further intensification of Saudi sanctions against Turkey.

Saudi Arabia Sanctions Against Lebanon

In the aftermath of the devastating Beirut port explosion and Lebanon's entry into the international crisis, Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of Mohammed bin Salman, took severe measures. In addition to imposing a ban on exports, imports, and all forms of commercial exchanges between the two countries, Saudi Arabia also halted financial aid to Lebanon. This move aimed to exacerbate the already dire financial and economic crisis in Lebanon, pushing it towards the brink of an economic disaster.

Contrasting Stance on Israel

Given the unfolding events, as Israel initiated a war against the Gaza Strip, resulting in the tragic and inhumane loss of innocent lives, it was anticipated that Saudi Arabia, like other nations worldwide, would boycott products originating from Israel and companies supporting its regime. However, Saudi Arabia took a contrasting stance. Not only did it refrain from boycotting Israeli products and companies, but it also actively promoted their products within Saudi Arabia.

McDonald's Promotion during Gaza War

One notable example of such support is the extensive advertising campaign conducted by Saudi Arabia for the McDonald's company during the Gaza war. Despite the ongoing conflict, the Saudis actively promoted this multinational fast-food restaurant within Saudi Arabia, urging Saudi citizens to patronize it.

Turki Al-Sheikh's Video

Regarding this matter, activists and internet users have circulated a video on social media platforms featuring Turki Al-Sheikh, the head of the organization known as "Entertainment and Welfare" in Saudi Arabia. In the video, he promotes the availability of free food at McDonald's restaurant and encourages people to visit the restaurant during the "Riyadh Season" festival.

In the mentioned video, Turki Al-Sheikh states that McDonald's is the official partner of the 2023 Riyadh season. Additionally, he announces a promotional offer to the viewers, stating that purchasing one meal will entitle them to receive a second meal as a gift.
 
This advertisement by the head of the Saudi Arabian entertainment board for McDonald's comes at a time when several Arab and Islamic countries have initiated a boycott campaign against businesses, shops, and restaurants that support Israel.

Backlash and Perception

Following the publication of videos showing McDonald's distributing meals to Israeli soldiers, the restaurant was among the first to face a ban. Turki Al-Sheikh's video, which initially circulated but was later deleted, left only a tweet with similar content on their page.

This video sparked anger among social media users, who viewed it as a form of propaganda and perceived the Saudi authorities' actions as an attempt to support companies that back Israel.

In summary, the article highlights the selective application of economic sanctions by Mohammed bin Salman, raising questions about the consistency and motivations behind Saudi Arabia's actions on the international stage.