Israel and UAE Agree to Normalize Relations

On August 13, 2020 Israel and the United Arab Emirates agreed to normalize relations as part of an agreement known as the Abraham Accords. As part of the agreement Israel has decided to delay plans to unilaterally annex parts of the West Bank with large Jewish Israeli populations while the UAE has agreed to fully normalize relations with the Jewish state. On Monday August 31 El Al will operate the first passenger flight between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi carrying Israeli dignitaries to the Emirates. This deal has been widely hailed as a step forward for recognition on the part of the Arab world of the rights of Jews and all Israelis to live in their homeland in peace with their geographic neighborhood. The deal will open up the opportunity for partnership in technology and healthcare and will connect two of the largest economies in the region and provide an opportunity for Israelis to visit the popular tourist destinations of Dubai and Abu Dhabi and also for Emiratis to visit Tel Aviv as well as Jerusalem and the Islamic sites which are located there.

https://www.npr.org/2020/08/29/907457538/on-path-to-normalize-relations-uae- formally-ends-boycott-of-israel

Written by:

Noam Kaplan

Engagement Chair, TFI