On 13 August 2020, a historic deal happened in West Asia which surprised a lot of people across the world. Many viewed it as a magnificent feat achieved by Israel, comparing its 72-year-old history of being in constant physical tension and ideological war to Arab and non-Arab states alike in West Asia. The Abraham Accord between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel brokered by the United States has created a mixed reaction throughout the world. Those in favour of closer ties between Israel and the Arab states are seeing it as a beginning of a new era, whereas pro-Palestinian groups are seeing it as a betrayal. According to the deal, Israel will stop the annexation of areas in the West Bank and the Israeli flag will fly in the UAE with an expectation of full-fledged cooperation between the states.
The deal is a reflection of many geopolitical changes and realities which the states in the Arab world need to embrace. Palestine is an emotional issue throughout West Asia in general and the Arab world in particular. Since the creation of Israel in 1948, Palestinians have sought the help of the Arab nations to secure its position. This has led to wars and conflicts in 1948-49, 1956, 1967, 1973, 1982, and 2006. Israel has also been involved in a constant asymmetric conflict ever since its formation.
The 2011 Arab Spring was an eye-opener for most of the Arab States and others in West Asia and the North Africa region where political Islam is in practice. The Arab Spring taught these states that the danger for governance was within, rather than outside. This thought invariably pushed the states to concentrate on governance and foster better ties among the states of the region. The Arab-Israeli conflict worked more like an emotional barrier and distraction. The direct example of restored peace and calmness between Israel, Egypt and Jordan is a revelation. Egypt was the champion of the Palestine cause and began its diplomatic relations with Israel in 1979 and Jordan did the same in 1994. UAE is the third state to have full-fledged diplomatic relations with Israel, and due to social media and other communication networks, there are many more reactions on the issue in public than ever before.
The accord is looking for tangible outcomes in the form of sharing of defence technology by Israel apart from tourism, direct flights, security, telecommunications, technology, energy, healthcare, the environment and establishment of regional embassies. Experts opine that Israel and UAE have had one or the other sort of relation since 1990. This perhaps is an outcome of shared interest and a common enemy in the form of Iran. The foundation stone for the historical accord was sown by US President Donald Trump on 28 January 2020 when he presented his Vision for Peace. Yousef Al Otaiba, the minister of State of UAE, wrote an op-ed in an Israeli newspaper in 2018, arguing, “We have consistently and actively opposed violence on all sides: we designated Hezbollah a terrorist organisation, condemned Hamas incitement and denounced Israeli provocations.” He not only gave the vision ahead and the areas of cooperation but hinted at what was on board in the years to come. In June 2020, an Etihad commercial flight carrying medical equipment for the Palestinians landed in Israel, the first-ever direct commercial flight between the UAE and Israel.
On 5 July 2020, UAE’s G42 companies signed an MoU with Israel’s Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries. Israel and UAE see Iran and Turkey, the only non-Arab states, as the most dangerous entities in West Asia. In this regard, closer cooperation between UAE, Israel and Saudi Arabia does look surprising. UAE sees Israel as a gateway to reach out to the United States for defence equipment which otherwise the US would not give to UAE as it would upset the Israelis.
The new deal has had repercussions. UAE has been blamed as a traitor by Palestine, Iran and Turkey apart from Pakistan and a few other states. According to them, Israel is an occupier and will resume annexation all over Palestine, if not now, but after some time. They also see it as a nexus between the United States and Israel to undermine people of Islam coming together. They think that the UAE would pay the price for this costly deal.
For Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this deal is perhaps the saviour of his political career. His failure to handle the Covid-19 situation and mounting corruption charges have proved detrimental over a period of time. He is a hero with this deal but nevertheless, there is also a dissenting voice from the settlers as they feel Netanyahu has betrayed them by halting the annexation. The liberal Zionists have been jubilant of this deal as they see prospects for such deals with the remaining Arab states including Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, if not Syria and Iraq immediately.
The success of the Abraham Accord would very much depend on the adherence to the commitments made by both Israel and the UAE. There is certainly a positive vibe between Israel and the Arab world. There is a growing need to evolve peace between Israel and Arab world. Bahrain and Oman are most likely to be the next among countries in the Gulf. Morocco and Sudan are also showing signs of establishing diplomatic relations with Israel. The normalisation of the relationship between Israel and the Arab world will usher peace and stability in the region.
Dr Nanda Kishor M S is Associate Professor at the Department of Geopolitics and International Relations, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal.