Constructing Narratives: Arab Leadership Rhetoric and Its Influence on Public Opinion During the Gaza War

Abstract

This study examines how Arab leaders used political language during the 2023-2025 Gaza War and whether or not their discourse mirrored or deviated from public opinion throughout a number of Arab nations, including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Palestine. This case study’s qualitative comparative approach uses critical discourse analysis (CDA) to investigate popular opinions stated in regional surveys and? Arabic-language social media platforms as well as official Arabic leadership comments. The study findings reveal that the themes of humanitarian framing, diplomatic hedging, symbolic opposition, and rising public criticism were prevalent in the rhetoric of Arab leadership during the conflict. In contrast, public expectations for more forceful, justice-focused reactions in support of the Palestinian cause frequently clashed with government rhetoric that frequently placed an emphasis on moral arguments or diplomatic prudence. Reactions from the public, especially Online, revealed a general dissatisfaction with what was thought to be representative of? insufficient leadership. According to this study’s findings, the public is increasingly contesting official narratives through decentralized and oppositional discourses, which has led to a wider crisis of political legitimacy in the area. This study provides fresh perspectives on the dynamics of political communication, legitimacy, and discourse contestation in the modern Arab world by examining the connection between elite speech and public mood during a moment of severe regional crisis.