History was made on Tuesday after Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed agreements to establish formal relations, ending decadea of non diplomatic relations between the Arabs and the jews.
“Today’s signing sets history on a new course,” Donald Trump told a crowd outside the White House where the deal was signed. “This is an incredible day for the world,” he said.
Israel has been at loggerhead with its arab neighbours over its occupation of the Palestinian territories.
However, as mostly autocratic Arab governments grow apathetic towards the Palestinian cause, and with Israel and the Gulf states sharing a common enemy in Iran, some relations have flourished discreetly in recent years.
After welcoming the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, earlier yesterday, Trump said “five or six” other countries were close to making similar deals with Israel, but did not name them. “I think Israel is not isolated anymore,” he said.
Present also were the foreign ministers of the UAE and Bahrain, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.
In reference to the three monotheistic religions, Trump’s “Abraham accords” will establish open business, direct flights and diplomatic relations. However, they fall short of full peace deals as the three countries already maintain significant informal ties and have not been at war.
