In a major diplomatic breakthrough, the UAE became the first Gulf country and the third in the Arab world to establish diplomatic relations with Israel.

Under the accord, which US President Donald Trump helped broker, Israel agreed to suspend its planned annexation of areas of the occupied West Bank, that Palestinians see as a part of their future state.

Close neighbours, Jordan and Egypt, are the only two other Arab states to have diplomatic ties with Israel under peace agreements that have weathered several storms over the decades to hold firm. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the move ushered in a new era in Israel’s relations with the Arab world.

Delegations from Israel and the UAE will meet in the coming weeks to sign bilateral agreements regarding investment, tourism, direct flights, security, telecommunications, technology, energy, healthcare, culture, the environment, the establishment of reciprocal embassies, and other areas of mutual benefit.

Highlights of the deal

A joint statement from the US, Israel and the UAE said that “this historic diplomatic breakthrough will advance peace in the Middle East region and is a testament to the bold diplomacy and vision of the three leaders and will unlock the great potential in the region”.

Opening direct ties between two of the Middle East’s most dynamic societies and advanced economies will transform the region by spurring economic growth, enhancing technological innovation, and forging closer people-to-people relations.

As a result of this diplomatic breakthrough and at the request of Trump with the support of the UAE, Israel will suspend declaring sovereignty over areas outlined in the President’s Vision for Peace and focus its efforts now on expanding ties with other countries in the Arab and Muslim world.

Netanyahu had previously planned to annex parts of the Israeli occupied West Bank, viewing the White House’s plan released in January as an opportunity to extend Israeli sovereignty to parts of the disputed territory. UN, Arab and European officials warned that the move would effectively end any hope of a two-state solution with an independent Palestine that has East Jerusalem as its capital.

The UAE and Israel will immediately expand cooperation on the treatment of and the development of a vaccine for the coronavirus.

The US hopes that this brave step will be the first in a series of agreements that ends decades of hostilities in the region.

Many believe that the big diplomatic breakthrough is going to politically boost Trump’s electoral prospects and also strengthen Netanyahu as he battles regular protests calling for his resignation due to the corruption trial against him and failure in the proper handling of the coronavirus crisis. 

How other countries reacted to the deal?

The Palestinians have slammed the deal, calling it a betrayal of the Palestinian cause and have demanded its retraction. A spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the deal amounts to treason, and should be reversed. Palestine reportedly plans to recall the ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

Iran and Turkey lashed out at the UAE, accusing it of betraying the Palestinian cause. President Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey was considering closing its embassy in Abu Dhabi and suspending diplomatic ties with the UAE.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi welcomed the deal. China, France and the European Union also supported the accord. 

UN chief welcomes the agreement

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the agreement, expressing hope that the accord will lead to Israeli and Palestinian leaders re-engaging in “meaningful negotiations” for a two state-solution.

The UN chief said peace in the Middle East was imperative as the region confronts the grave threats of COVID-19 and radicalisation. He added that annexation would effectively close the door for a renewal of negotiations and destroy the prospect of a viable Palestinian State and the two-State solution.

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