UAE diplomatic adviser says normalization of relations with Israel, established in 2020, will remain in place
Despite Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reaffirmed that there is no risk of a break in relations with the Jewish state.
According to Bloomberg, the UAE’s presidential diplomatic adviser, Anwar Gargash, made it clear that the normalization of relations with Israel, established through the Abraham Accords in 2020, was a long-term strategic decision that will not be undone, even if it has to overcome obstacles.
Other Arab states have also maintained diplomacy with Israel, such as Bahrain. Before the war, Saudi Arabia was expected to join the Abraham Accords. However, according to various reports, the negotiations that were underway have now been suspended.
“We hope that more and more other Arab leaders will have a similar understanding. Recognition of the legitimacy of Israel’s existence by its neighbors is the main path to the peace we all want,” says André Lajst, CEO of StandWithUs Brazil, an organization that promotes education about Israel and the Middle East.
Relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates
Through the Abraham Accords, the UAE and Israel normalized their ties in 2020, and have since gone on to deepen their political as well as economic ties, which has been notable in trade relations between the two countries. Just one year after the agreement, trade amounted to US$1.2 billion, according to Israel’s Ministry of Economy and Industry, whereas in 2020, before normalization, this figure was around US$120 million, and in 2010, only US$1 million.
In 2022, the nations also signed a free trade agreement, which actually came into force the following year with the signing of a customs agreement. The resolutions provided for customs tariffs to be reduced or canceled on approximately 96% of goods and for Israeli companies to be allowed access to UAE government tenders. In 2023, the two countries also signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the area of cybersecurity.
*** Translated by DEFCONPress FYI Team ***