On August 17, 2020, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates, have agreed for the Israel–United Arab Emirates peace agreement, or the Abraham Accord to establish full diplomatic ties. In this regard, Israeli will halt further annexation of Palestinian lands. This announcement was made by the United States (US) President Donald John Trump, who acted as mediator of this agreement.
- With this, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) became the first Gulf Arab state and only the third Arab nation after Egypt and Jordan to have active diplomatic ties to Israel.
- It is expected that the peace accord will be signed in the White House, US in early September, 2020.
Background:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wanted annexation of the Jordan Valley and northern Dead Sea, the part of West Bank which is home to the three million Palestinians living in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The transfer of civilian populations to occupied land is considered illegal under international law.
- Annexation is a term used when a state unilaterally incorporates another territory within its borders.
Key Points:
-Israel and UAE will sign bilateral agreements regarding investment, tourism, direct flights, security, telecommunications, technology, energy, healthcare, culture, the environment, the establishment of reciprocal embassies, and other areas of mutual benefit.
-This agreement will benefit all both nations and the US to find solutions for many common challenges they face.
-Also, UAE and Israel will immediately expand cooperation regarding the treatment of and the development of a vaccine for the coronavirus.
-Israel and the UAE will join with the United States to launch a Strategic Agenda for the Middle East to expand diplomatic, trade, and security cooperation.
About Israel:
Capital– Jerusalem
Currency– Israeli Shekel
About United Arab Emirates (UAE):
Capital– Abu Dhabi
Currency– United Arab Emirates dirham
