Ambassador of the State of Israel Ilan Mor: the Abraham Accord is a Landmark Vision of Peace and Prosperity Between Israel and the Arab World
The establishment of full diplomatic relations between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the Kingdom of Bahrain is a watershed moment for the Middle East. While this region of the world is often thought to be somewhat of a dysfunctional family, the Abraham Accord represents a conscious decision to instead be a functional one. It is a historic event that marks a new beginning for the region, and in addition to peace, it will bring about prosperity that will be felt immediately by all countries in the Middle East region.
The Accord represents an alternative step and a paradigm-shift for the region. It has fostered a revolutionary opportunity for other Arab nations to establish formal ties with the State of Israel, a concept previously deemed far-fetched and impossible. It provides a striking alternative to those radical forces who oppose peace and prefer to perpetuate conflict until victory is won over resolving conflict in a peaceful manner and enjoying the benefits that cooperation can provide. Moreover, the agreement effectively strengthens the power of moderatism in the face of the extremism that Iran and its proxies sow across the region.
The Accord is an important stage in ending conflict in the Middle East, and we believe that this kind of agreement will effectively serve to immunize countries against the calamity that comes with extremism, for which peace is the only remedy.
This landmark agreement, most significantly, does not come at the expense of the Palestinians, but in fact presents them with a unique opportunity to return to direct negotiations with Israel. Israel is ready to do so, and will come to the negotiating table with the principles of the American administration’s Peace Initiative. The peace agreement provides a practical and realistic basis upon which the two sides can begin negotiations, and, in the light of the Abraham Accord, achieving a lasting resolution between Israel and the Palestinians now seems that much more attainable.
Ultimately, the Abraham Accord represents an alignment of values. Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain are all facing the shared challenges of climate change, diminishing resources, and what is currently most important, the coronavirus pandemic. Related to this, for instance, the UAE APEX National Investment and the Israeli TeraGroup have already signed a contract on the joint research and development of a coronavirus testing device that will diagnose the coronavirus infection more quickly and accurately. Israel and the UAE have also committed to doing joint medical and pharmaceutical research, with an emphasis on cooperation in developing treatments and vaccine trials for COVID-19. This is only one of numerous examples showing how we can all benefit from cooperation. It is essential that we focus on agreement over disagreement, and combine our capabilities for the wellbeing of our citizens. This is exactly what this agreement has achieved. The Abraham Accord should be the guiding light for all other nations of the region of the good that can come from making peace with Israel.
I believe that everyone in Croatia who has seen the signing of this historic agreement will recognize and appreciate the significance of this special moment and express their support publicly.
This week, Jews all over the world are welcoming the new Jewish year. There is no better way to start the New Year than signing two peace agreements with two Arab countries. Enemies of the past will become friends of the future.
Peace. Shalom. Salam. Mir.
Ambassador of the State of Israel Ilan Mor