Israel has been a pariah for Gulf Countries for a long time as none of them wanted any ties, whatsoever, with the former. However, things began to change in the equation between Israel and UAE from 2010 onwards as both found common ground while opposing Iran’s nuclear programme and regional influence. And In 2015, Israel launched a diplomatic mission in Abu Dhabi to International Renewable Agency. So, the relationship started to improve gradually between UAE and Israel much to the discomfiture of the major players in West Asia, especially Iran.
In August 2020, the ties between the UAE and Israel touched a new high as a result of a US-brokered deal that pledged to improve the relations between the two countries going forward. The agreement also became a part of the Abraham Accord encompassing two nations and was inked on September 15 2020. Thus began a new chapter in the middle east involving a country that was till now an undesirable entity. Now, let us get down to the fallout of this new equation.
Greater Opportunities For Both Countries
It is quite evident that the US played an integral part in building bridges between UAE and Israel by dangling the carrot of advanced weapons like the F-35 stealth fighter to the Gulf country. However, the deal would help UAE immensely as it would lead to attracting wealthy Israelis to their country to do business as well as indulge in pleasure. Also, as trade opens up between the two countries, UAE can take full advantage of Israel’s highly advanced tech sectors. It is a win-win situation for both the countries, but Iran would not take kindly to such an alliance. So, both the countries should be wary of the West Asian country, which perceives Israel as one of its major villains across the globe.
Israel Looks To Mend More Ties In The Region
Apart from UAE, Israel has also mended its ties with another Gulf country, Bahrain. These are nothing but important developments in the region because the middle east was a complete no-go zone for Israel not too long back. By normalizing relations with the two countries, Israel can also hope to mend ties with other countries in the region, especially Saudi Arabia, a big influencer in the Gulf Region, going forward. For the time being, Israel can take solace from the fact that it has managed to minimize the isolation, which it detested all along, in the middle east and this might pave way for more friendly alliances in the region.
But, Palestinians Are Hurt
More than anyone else in the West Asia region, it would be Palestinians who would feel cheated over the peace overtures. The new agreement reached between Israel and UAE comes at the expense of the long-held Arab consensus that good ties with Israel mean demeaning Palestinian freedom. However, assuaging the feelings of Palestinians, the current president of the UAE back then claimed that the deal with Palestine was struck on the condition that Israel will no longer annexe large parts of the West Bank. Will Palestinians take comfort from such a contention? Your guess is as good as mine.
Iran Has Got A Big Problem
Already reeling under the heavy US sanctions, the accord between UAE and Israel could not have come at the worst time for Iran. The deal has put Iran under big stress and it has minced no words while expressing anger over the newfound bonhomie between Israel and the UAE. The fact that the UAE shares a maritime border with Iran complicates the matter further and curtails its manoeuvring space further in the region. The growing unease of Iran is bound to alter its strategy while dealing with UAE and Bahrain in the coming years.
