Most Arab people would, IMHO, side with their leaders in the face of foreign pressure if the social contract was amended to reflect more of their day to day needs as well their hopes and aspirations of greater dignity on the global stage. The way Arabs are being mercilessly killed in the hundreds day after day, and the way Arabs around the world are feeling unsafe and helplessness has only reinforced the aspirations for dignity.
Not unlike the Chinese people, there is a collectivist culture that can be harnessed for civilizational advancement.
Will western pressure be heavy, of course, but the mere threat of “collective bargaining” as was done with the oil embargo of the 70s forced some movement on the dispute, and placated some domestic demands.
Frankly speaking, Arab nations are thinking individually and narrowly. $500 Billion on NEOM in Saudi, if spread over 10 countries (near the ten largest Muslim majority cities/port cities on the planet) and in equal amounts, could do a lot more (due to cheaper labor costs) and benefit the rulers financially and politically (such as a stable Libya that could support its own rebuilding as well as a pivot to Africa and becoming its largest economic partner as it rapidly develops and grows.)
The time horizon would be generational, but would be as transformative as the Chinese modernization from Deng to Today. This is why the public won’t care as much if the government isn’t “democratic” as long as it reflect the higher aspirations and interests of the public; “The Great Revival of the Arab People”.
In the mean time, Arab leaders are appealing to domestic audiences and getting hit from both sides; domestically and internationally. A lose lose proposition, and if they fail to save the Palestinians, could lose their legitimacy in the eyes of their public, which could be disastrous for these rulers.