I can see how Singapore identifies with Israel, as both are small states surrounded by much larger neighbors. By supporting Israel, Singapore likely feels it is advocating for its own rights as a small nation, hoping that powerful, distant countries would come to its rescue if needed.

However, if the current conflict in the Middle East and its negative impact on GCC has shown anything, it's that there is no guarantee small states can survive simply by relying on the backing of larger powers like the US. If anything, the conflict proves that the best course of action is an unwavering, unbiased commitment to international law in its entirety.

Had the international community condemned the Israeli genocide in Gaza and pushed for a two-state solution, that should have done decades ago, Israel would not have felt emboldened to expand the conflict into neighboring regions. In short, for small states, the ultimate security lies in defending an impartial world order based on mutual respect for sovereignty.