Israel and UAE agree to normalize relations

US President Donald Trump has announced that Israel and the United Arab Emirates have decided to normalize relations with each other. 

According to a joint statement by Trump, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed Al Nahyan said that they hoped the “historic breakthrough will advance peace in the Middle East”.

HUGE breakthrough today! Historic Peace Agreement between our two GREAT friends, Israel and the United Arab Emirates!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 13, 2020

They added that this deal would suspend its plans to affix large parts of the occupied West Bank.

It should be mentioned here that until now, there were no diplomatic relations of Israel with any Gulf Arab countries. Nevertheless, shared concerns over Iran’s regional influence have led Israel to have unofficial contacts with the country.

After Trump’s announcement, Israel PM Netanyahu tweeted in Hebrew: “Historic day”.

יום היסטורי 🇮🇱 https://t.co/4mD6DzoTvE

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— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) August 13, 2020

Yousef Al Otaiba, the UAE’s ambassador to the US, said in a statement that it was “a win for diplomacy and for the region”.

He further added,

“It is a significant advance in Arab-Israeli relations that lowers tensions and creates new energy for positive change.”

Since after Israel’s independence in 1948, the agreement marks the third Israel-Arab peace deal. According to details, Egypt signed a peace deal with Israel in 1979 and Jordan in 1944.

To sign the bilateral agreements regarding investment, tourism, direct flights, security, telecommunications, technology, energy, healthcare, culture, the environment, the establishment of reciprocal embassies, a delegation from Israel, and the UAE will meet in the coming weeks.

As per the joint statement,

“The countries will also join the US in launching a ‘Strategic Agenda for the Middle East'”.

The leaders of the countries said,

“A similar outlook regarding the threats and opportunities in the region, as well as a shared commitment to promoting stability through diplomatic engagement, increased economic integration, and closer security”.