In a historic move, Israel and Unites Arab Emirates have agreed to “full normalization of relations” in exchange for suspending annexation of occupied West Bank of Palestine. The landmark deal was accorded bu the U.S. President Donald Trump Thursday that foretell the border alignment between two of America’s close allies in West Asia, which had been at rift for decades, reached a “historic” peace agreement.
The decision was announced at the White House after an agreement on a three-way phone call with Israeli and Emirati officials. Announcing the surprising deal, Mr Trump said the deal would result into greater participation on investment, tourism, security, technology, energy and other areas while the two countries agree on regular director passenger flights, open embassies and trade ambassadors for the first time.
“This deal is a significant step towards building a more peaceful, secure and prosperous Middle East. Now that the ice has been broken, I expect more Arab and Muslim countries will follow the United Arab Emirates’ lead,” Mr. Trump was quoted as saying by the local media.
If successful, Emirates will join Egypt and Jordan to be the only Arab countries to have normal diplomatic relationships with Israel. Egypt had signed a peace agreement in 1979 while Jordan agreed on a treaty in 1994. Though both Israel and the UAE have had backroom contacts in recent years, establishment of diplomatic relationships would be a game changer.
One of the major factors that brought the two countries together is perceived to be their mutual hostility with Iran. UAE and Israel, both were wary of President Barack Obama supported Iran nuclear deal. Both sides, now see a partner in Donald Trump as junked the Iran deal and reimposed sanctions on Tehran.
However, the deal has received backlash from the opposite ideologies in both the regions.
