Between Scylla and Charybdis: Japan’s Response to the October 7 Hamas Attack and Its Aftermath

T his article examines Japan’s response to the 7 October 2023, Hamas- led attack on Israel and the ensuing conflict. By analyzing Japan’s historical engagement with the Middle East and its evolving relationships with Israel and Palestine, the article argues that Japan faces competing priorities in its Middle East diplomacy. These include aligning with the US, maintaining positive Arab relations to ensure a stable oil supply, and potentially enhancing its global stature through mediation efforts. This article provides the first comprehensive analysis of Japan’s challenges in navigating the Israel–Hamas war, situating these within the broader framework of its Middle East and global policies. It explores Japan’s approach to global conflicts beyond its immediate security environment, shedding light on the intricate interplay of economic, diplomatic, and strategic factors shaping Japan’s foreign policy decisions in this volatile region.