5 Most Powerful Countries in the Middle East Heading into 2024

3. Israel

Economic Strength Rank: 3

Military Strength Rank: 2

Political Soft Power Rank: 5

Cultural Influence Rank: 4

Weighted Score: 3.35

Israel is the most technologically advanced country in the Middle East, and that is what makes it such a powerful force both economically and militarily. Moreover, its close ties with the United States and the western world have earned the country sufficient political clout in the region. So much so that in 2020, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain announced normalization of ties with Israel.

Saudi Arabia was also close to reaching a historic peace deal with the country, but talks have been put on hold for now amid the ongoing Israel-Palestine war.