The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain reached a landmark peace deal with Israel, making them the first Gulf states to officially normalize relations with the Jewish state. A development that significantly reforms the region’s diplomatic dynamics.
President Donald Trump held a White House ceremony on Tuesday as the three countries sign the peace deal. This capped multiple fraught weeks after the UAE and Bahrain first decided to establish diplomatic ties with Israel. Besides, there is no substantive resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute of 70 years.
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- Bahrain follows Emirates and normalizes ties with Israel
Together with Emirati foreign minister Sheik Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan and Bahraini foreign minister Abdullatif Al Zayani, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed the “Abraham Accords” at the gathering. The ceremony had about 700 participants in attendance.
A historic peace deal with Israel
Mr Trump, who is running for re-election in November, lauded the three countries on this outstanding accomplishment. Moreover, he claimed that the moment is “the beginning of a new Middle East.”
“The Abraham accords… would act as a framework for lasting peace in the region. Something that no one considered possible,” Mr Trump explained.
“[It]also opens the doors for Muslims to visit Israel’s historic site,” he added. Furthermore, he pointed to the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem to buttress his point. He said there are other countries who will follow suit “very, very soon.”
Furthermore, he repeated earlier remarks that “five or six” other nations were contemplating negotiating deals with Israel.
“The peace we make today will endure,” he added.
Emirati Foreign Minister, brother of Abu Dhabi’s influential crown prince, praised Mr Netanyahu for “stoping” the annexation of the Palestinian territories.
Furthermore, sirens echoed in southern Israel, as the PM climbed the podium. Meanwhile, the Israeli army claimed to launch two missiles from Gaza.
“Today we are seeing a change of heart in the Middle East. A move that will bring hope to the world,” he stated. Also, he added that the deal will create a “more stable and safe future.”
In addition, Bahrain’s foreign minister called the agreement a “significant first step.” A bold step to a “just, substantive and lasting two-state settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute.”
