The Israel and United Arab Emirates Peace Agreement: A Historic Milestone in Middle East Politics
On August 13, 2020, a historic peace agreement was announced between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The agreement, brokered by the United States, is a significant breakthrough in Middle East politics, marking the third peace deal between Israel and an Arab country, after Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994.
The agreement, known as the Abraham Accords, aims to establish full diplomatic and economic relations between Israel and the UAE, including the opening of embassies, direct flights, and cooperation in various sectors such as trade, tourism, technology, healthcare, and security. The accord also includes a commitment to “work towards the normalization of relations with other countries in the region.”
The deal is a result of years of behind-the-scenes diplomacy between Israel, the UAE, and the US. It comes amid a shifting geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, with Iran`s growing influence, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the rise of non-Arab powers such as Turkey and Russia.
The UAE, a federation of seven emirates located on the Arabian Peninsula, has long maintained a pragmatic approach to Middle East politics, focusing on economic development and regional stability. As a major oil producer and financial hub, the UAE has emerged as a key player in the region, with a growing role in international affairs.
For Israel, the agreement represents a significant step towards normalization with Arab countries, something that has been elusive for decades. It also provides a boost to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has long pursued a policy of forging closer ties with Arab states, particularly those in the Gulf.
The agreement has been met with mixed reactions in the region and beyond. While some have hailed it as a positive development that could pave the way for more peace deals, others have criticized it for ignoring the Palestinian issue and for legitimizing Israel`s occupation of Palestinian territories.
Nevertheless, the deal marks a significant milestone in Middle East politics, and its long-term implications are yet to be seen. The Abraham Accords could potentially lead to a new era of cooperation and stability in the region, or they could further exacerbate existing conflicts and tensions.
As the world watches the aftermath of the Israel and United Arab Emirates Peace Agreement, one thing is certain: its impact will be felt for years to come.
