Is this the time to celebrate a new beginning in the Middle East—now that Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reached a deal to normalize relations? I think so, and I’ll tell you why. But first let’s review what just happened.
Israel agreed to suspend its controversial plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank and the UAE has agreed to establish full diplomatic relations with Israel. This is the UAE recognizing Israel’s right to exist—unlike the other Gulf Arab nations.
This breakthrough is a historic accomplishment by Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with President Donald Trump who helped broker it.
Importantly, the agreement may set the stage for more Arab countries to follow the example of the United Arab Emirates. Now, as Pres. Trump has long maintained, in order to make a deal both sides have to compromise, or no deal will be had. That is what happened here, there was measured compromise.
Of course, not all Israelis and not all Palestinians are supportive of this agreement. In fact, many are enraged by it. But that should be no surprise, we’re talking about the Middle East here.
So now we have the UAE joining Egypt and Jordan in recognizing Israel and having full diplomatic relations. I think the calculus now changes with more pressure on the remaining Gulf states to do likewise.
People in the Middle East have long lived in an area of conflict and the years of war have taken their toll. This peace agreement opens up an opportunity to heal and recover from literally millennia of torment. I am hopeful that other Gulf states will follow their lead. This agreement is indeed historical and so important.
Kudos to Prime Minister Netanyahu, Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and President Trump.