The Abraham Accords: Unlocking Sustainable and Inclusive Growth Across the Middle East

Former US President Donald Trump
Remarks on Announcing the Normalization of Relations Between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, 13 August 2020

"After 49 years, Israel and the United Arab Emirates will fully normalize their diplomatic relations. They will exchange embassies and ambassadors, and begin cooperation across the board and on a broad range of areas, including tourism, education, healthcare, trade, and security.

This is a truly historic moment. Not since the Israel-Jordan peace treaty was signed more than 25 years ago has so much progress been made towards peace in the Middle East.

By uniting two of America’s closest and most capable partners in the region — something which said could not be done — this deal is a significant step towards building a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous Middle East."

US President Joe Biden
Statement on the Agreements between Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain, 15 September 2020

"I welcome the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain taking steps to normalize ties with Israel. It is good to see others in the Middle East recognizing Israel and even welcoming it as a partner. A Biden-Harris administration will build on these steps, challenge other nations to keep pace, and work to leverage these growing ties into progress toward a two-state solution and a more stable, peaceful region."

Biden praises Israel-UAE deal as building on 'efforts of multiple administrations'

"Today, Israel and the United Arab Emirates have taken a historic step to bridge the deep divides of the Middle East. The UAE’s offer to publicly recognize the State of Israel is a welcome, brave, and badly-needed act of statesmanship. And it is critical recognition that Israel is a vibrant, integral part of the Middle East that is here to stay. Israel can and will be a valued strategic and economic partner to all who welcome it."

Mike Pompeo, US Secretary of State
Twitter Post 13 August 2020

The United States congratulates Israel and the Emirates for this remarkable achievement, which is a significant step forward for peace in the Middle East. Blessed are the peacemakers. Mabruk and Mazal Tov.

John Kerry, Former US Secretary of State
Twitter Post 13 August 2020

The UAE, @MohamedBinZayed, and Amb. Al Otaiba deserve credit for their historic initiative to normalize relations with Israel in return for Israel foregoing annexation. This is a welcome step that builds on years of work to advance regional peace.

David Friedman, US Ambassador to Israel
Twitter Post

@Potus’s Vision for Peace in the Middle East continues to become a reality with Israel & the UAE making history today. This agreement will make Israel and the UAE stronger, safer and more prosperous. Truly the art of the deal by @Potus

Dan Shapiro, Former US Ambassador to Israel
Twitter Post

It has been a long-term, bipartisan goal to pursue normalization between Israel and Arab states. The UAE-Israel announcement is good news, and breaks an important barrier. Everyone should welcome it.

Engel, McCaul, Zeldin & Rose Offer Legislation Supporting Israel’s Normalization of Relations with UAE and Bahrain
Issued 17 September 2020

Chairman Eliot L. Engel of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Ranking Member Michael McCaul, Representative Lee Zeldin, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, and Representative Max Rose, this week introduced legislation supporting the landmark normalization agreements between the State of Israel and the United Arab Emirates and the State of Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Menendez, Graham, Young, and Cardin Lead Bipartisan Senate Resolution Congratulating Israel, UAE, and Bahrain on Historic Abraham Accords
Issued 17 September 2020

U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), and Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today introduced a bipartisan resolution congratulating the governments and people of Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Bahrain on the recently signed Abraham Accords.

The resolution:  

• Congratulates the Governments and people of Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the Kingdom of Bahrain on reaching these historic agreements. 
• Encourages other Arab nations to establish full relations with Israel with the vision of realizing full peace between Israel and all of its Arab neighbors.
• Reaffirms its strong support for a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict resulting in two states—a democratic Jewish State of Israel and a viable, democratic Palestinian state—living side-by-side in peace, security, and mutual recognition.

Cardin, Graham, Menendez and Young to Introduce Resolution Praising Historic Agreement Between Israel, UAE
Issued 20 August 2020

U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.), today said they will introduce a Senate resolution praising the historic agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Senate resolution:

• Congratulates the Governments and people of Israel and the United Arab Emirates on reaching this historic agreement.
• Encourages other Arab nations to establish full relations with Israel with the vision of realizing full peace between Israel and all of its Arab neighbors.
• Reaffirms its strong support for a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict resulting in two states—a democratic Jewish State of Israel and a viable, democratic Palestinian state—living side-by-side in peace, security, and mutual recognition.

Senator Mitch McConnell, US Senate Majority Leader
Issued 14 September 2020

“We have come a long way. What a moment. Far-sighted leaders in both countries made sacrifices to make the deal possible. Prime Minister Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed understand that both Arabs and Israelis will benefit from the peace and prosperity that tearing down barriers can bring. America will also benefit from these two key regional friends working more closely together and reducing tensions across a challenging region.”

Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the US House of Representatives
Issued 13 August 2020

“The agreement to establish full diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE is welcome news.  It is an important step that could benefit both nations, the region and the world.

The House continues to object to steps including unilateral annexation that will undermine future efforts to advance a just, stable and lasting peace in the Middle East. I hope that these efforts have been put on hold as the agreement indicates. This agreement reminds us that the best way forward for peace in the region is to create conditions for Israel to negotiate directly with her neighbors.”

Senator Jim Risch, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Issued 15 September 2020

“It was an honor to witness today’s historic signing of peace agreements between Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain. These agreements demonstrate a potential to improve the economic, security, and diplomatic environment in the Middle East, and President Trump is to be commended for his efforts in brokering these agreements. I continue to encourage like-minded Arab and Muslim countries to follow the example set by the UAE and Bahrain today.”

Senator Bob Menendez, Ranking Member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Issued 13 August 2020

"I welcome today’s historic announcement between the #UAE and #Israel. I hope this new relationship can pave the way for a more constructive, productive and secure future for Israelis, Palestinians, Emiratis and indeed the entire region."

Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs
Issued 13 August 2020

“I welcome the announcement that the United Arab Emirates and Israel are normalizing relations.  This is a mutually beneficial step that will strengthen both countries.  It will contribute toward stability in the region and advance the cause of peace.  I hope that this new breakthrough will give courage to other countries to move forward toward normalization and motivate Palestinians to give peace a chance. I look forward to the day when Israel is surrounded by peaceful neighbors, including a democratic, demilitarized Palestinian state that accepts that the Jewish state has a permanent place in the Middle East.”

Representative Michael McCaul, Ranking Member on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs
Issued 13 August 2020

“I welcome the announcement that the United Arab Emirates and Israel are normalizing relations.  This is a mutually beneficial step that will strengthen both countries.  It will contribute toward stability in the region and advance the cause of peace.  I hope that this new breakthrough will give courage to other countries to move forward toward normalization and motivate Palestinians to give peace a chance. I look forward to the day when Israel is surrounded by peaceful neighbors, including a democratic, demilitarized Palestinian state that accepts that the Jewish state has a permanent place in the Middle East.”

Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the United States
Announcement Between Israel and United Arab Emirates, 13 August 2020

"Today’s announcement is a significant advance for the region and for diplomacy. It immediately stops annexation and the potential of violent escalation. It maintains the viability of a two-state solution as endorsed by the Arab League and international community. It creates new dynamics and possibilities in the peace process. It bolsters the stability of Jordan.

It is a significant advance in Arab-Israeli relations that lowers tensions and creates new energy for positive change across the region. As two of the Middle East’s most dynamic economies and vibrant societies, closer UAE-Israel ties will accelerate growth and innovation, expand opportunities for young people, and breakdown long-held prejudices. It will help move the region beyond a troubled legacy of hostility and strife to a more hopeful destiny of peace and prosperity."

Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba Statement on Growing Congressional Support for UAE-Israel Accord, 20 August 2020

"Thank you to Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Todd Young (R-IN) for their resolution praising the UAE-Israel Accord. We are also thankful to the more than 150 members of Congress who have welcomed this diplomatic breakthrough.

The UAE looks forward to working with Congress as we expand cooperation with Israel, deepen our collective relationship with the US, and together work to realize the full promise of this historic initiative."

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Foreign Minister
Remarks at White House UAE-Israel Peace Accord Signing Ceremony, 15 September 2020

"We are witnessing today a new trend that will create a better path for the Middle East. This Peace Accord, which is a historic achievement for the United States of America, the State of Israel, and the United Arab Emirates, will continue to have a positive impact, as we believe that its reverberations will be reflected on the entire region.

Every option other than peace would signify destruction, poverty, and human suffering. This new vision, which is beginning to take shape as we meet today for the future of a region full of youthful energy, is not a slogan that we raise for political gain, as everyone looks forward to creating a more stable, prosperous, and secure future. At a time when science is prevailing, the region’s youth are looking forward to taking part in this great humanitarian movement.

We are pleased that the United Arab Emirates will be part of the momentum towards stability and the growth of human potential, in a new civilized approach that opens wide the doors of opportunity for those who look towards peace, prosperity, and the future. Our societies today possess the foundations of modern human development, such as infrastructure, a solid economy, and scientific achievements that will enable them to advance the future of the Middle East."

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on how the U.A.E. is ready to build on the peace agreements with Israel to build a more prosperous and stable region.

"Peace. Shalom. Salaam"

Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE
Twitter, 13 August 2020

"During a call with President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu, an agreement was reached to stop further Israeli annexation of Palestinian territories. The UAE and Israel also agreed to cooperation and setting a roadmap towards establishing a bilateral relationship."

Dr. Anwar Gargash, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
Statement made on WAM, 13 August 2020

"The United Arab Emirates has secured Israel's commitment to halting the annexation of Palestinian territories in order to sustain efforts to achieve a two-state solution. This decisive freeze on the annexation of Palestinian territories is a significant diplomatic achievement and comes in furtherance of the UAE’s belief that establishing normal relations with Israel will enable it to play a direct and constructive role in enhancing the region’s security and stability," Dr. Anwar Gargash said.

In this context, he added, "The UAE seeks to build upon previous regional and international efforts aimed at reaching a solution to this conflict in reflection of the UAE's multilateral approach to sensitive regional issues. The United States played a key role in this pragmatic step by the UAE, affirming its continued commitment to the Arab Peace Initiative and the rights of the Palestinian people to establish a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital."

Moreover, this agreement fosters opportunities for cooperation in several sectors, including in the economic, cultural, scientific, and technological fields to bolster the region’s prosperity, he went on to say.

"In view of these developments, the UAE calls for a return to direct negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians as the sole parties capable of reaching a permanent and sustainable solution to this conflict," Dr. Anwar concluded.

Yousef Al Otaiba, the UAE’s Ambassador to the US
Statement made on WAM, 20 August 2020

"We are encouraged by the overwhelming positive reaction from the United Nations and more than 40 other countries around the world [so far]. They similarly view this accord as a breakthrough for peace and a framework to create even more positive change for the Middle East region,"

"We were also pleased with the overwhelming support in the United States. Both the Trump White House and the Biden campaign welcomed the announcement, so did more than 140 Members of Congress from both parties, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell,"

"As we have done for fifty years, we will forcefully advocate for these ends, now directly and bolstered with stronger incentives, policy options and diplomatic tools. Palestinian people also must benefit from normalisation,"

"This agreement immediately puts an end to Israel’s plans for the annexation of Palestinian lands and maintains the viability of the two-state solution. Many experts noted that this could provide an opportunity for the Palestinians and Israelis to restart meaningful discussions,"

"In this context, the UAE has sought to establish itself as a beacon of stability, progress and moderation in an otherwise difficult region. And perhaps most importantly, we are fundamental believers in peace. The normalisation announcement furthers that role,"

UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Statement made 20 August 2020

The UAE has been flying the most advanced model of the US-made F-16 for more than 15 years. Facing new threats and more sophisticated adversaries, the UAE will continue to upgrade and improve its air defense capabilities. The F-35 has been part of these plans for more than six years. With the signing of the new accord and the added assurances it provides, the UAE expects closer security cooperation among all three countries including on air defense and systems.

Tripartite Statement by UAE, US, Israel
Issued on 31 August 2020

"The accord reached between the United States, Israel and the United Arab Emirates on August 13, 2020 is a courageous step towards a more stable, integrated and prosperous Middle East."

Hend Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of France
Issued 21 August 2020

"Historic week of peace. Shabbat Shalom."

Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of Federal National Council
UAE-Israel accord will revive Middle East peace process, 15 September 2020

"FNC stresses that the accord reflects the never-changing principles of Emirati policy, which is its historic legacy and openness towards all countries while achieving its higher strategic interests, as well as its coexistence with different cultures and religions, in line with the values of tolerance it cherishes without prejudice, and its support for national, Arab and Islamic rights, under the framework of international legitimacy and international law.

"We affirm that this accord represents a good opportunity to resume the regional, international and the United Nations, UN, efforts to achieve fair, comprehensive and permanent peace in the Middle East and guarantee the implementation of UN resolutions and conventions, especially those related to the establishment of a Palestinian state with its capital in East Jerusalem.

"We, therefore, express our full support for the accord and our political leadership of all subsequent initiatives, resolutions and foreign and international policies and we highlight our deep trust in the wise approach of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to managing the nation’s affairs and preserving its successes and achievements."

Spokesman for the Secretary-General of the United Nations
Issued 13 August 2020

The Secretary-General welcomes this agreement, hoping it will create an opportunity for Israeli and Palestinian leaders to re-engage in meaningful negotiations that will realize a two state-solution in line with relevant UN resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements.

AIPAC
Twitter Post

The establishment of full diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE represents a historic breakthrough for peace & reconciliation in the Middle East. We greatly appreciate the efforts of President Trump & his administration in facilitating this major diplomatic achievement.

J Street
Twitter Post 13 August 2020

J Street Welcomes Agreement to Suspend De Jure Annexation Plans, Normalize Israel-UAE Ties

American Jewish Committee
Twitter Post 13 August 2020

AJC celebrates today's historic peace agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

Having engaged with states in the Arabian Gulf and throughout the Arab world for decades, we hope this opens the door to further agreements between Israel and her Arab neighbors

Anti-Defamation League
Issued 13 August 2020

ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) applauded the Governments of Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States for today's historic announcement agreeing to work towards fully normalizing relations and announcing plans for cooperation across numerous civil fields between Israel and the Emirates. ADL also welcomed the announcement that Israel will suspend declaring sovereignty over territory in the West Bank, which we hope will help sustain the feasibility of the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations
Issued 13 August 2020

We applaud the announcement today by President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and​ Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, which initiates the full normalization of diplomatic relations between the State of Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder
Issued 15 August 2020

There is finally some good news in a year that has been buffeted by the coronavirus crisis. The agreement between the UAE and Israel, announced by the White House on Thursday, is more than just an agreement to normalize relations between Israel and an Arab country. I believe it is the beginning of regionwide peace.

Simon Wiesenthal Center
Issued 13 August 2020

All Americans, Democrats and Republicans alike should hail today’s Abraham Agreement. Today is a historic day-- two allies of the US now become open strategic partners in the region to thwart Iran and other Jihadists. It also signals further dramatic normalization between  Arabs and Jews in the region, a goal the SWC has contributed to for over 15 years.

Johnnie Moore, President, Congress of Christian Leaders
Twitter Post 13 August 2020

A once-in-a-generation diplomatic achievement. The Abraham Accord will prove to be the moment when the grievances of the past no longer overpowered the promises of the future in the middle east. 

Madeleine K. Albright and Stephen Hadley, Opinion Contributors, Politico
Issued 15 September 2020

The agreements with the UAE and Bahrain envision exchanges and joint enterprises across virtually all social and economic sectors. If other Arab states follow suit and join in expanding trade, investment, cooperative building projects and people-to-people exchanges with Israel, the resulting regional integration could be an engine for economic growth, job creation and enhanced prosperity.

Bret Stephens, Opinion Columnist, New York Times
Issued 14 September 2020

The best option is an alliance of moderates and modernizers — anyone in power (or seeking power) who wants to move his country in the direction of greater religious and social tolerance, broader (that is, beyond energy) economic development, less preoccupation with ancient disputes, more interest in future opportunities. Such an alliance is the only hope for a region being sucked into the maw of religious fanaticism, economic stagnation, environmental degradation and perpetual misrule.

Now this alliance may finally be coming into being.

Leon Panetta and Jeremy Bash, Opinion Contributors, The Hill
Issued 17 September 2020

In signing historic peace agreements with Israel this week, the leaders of the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain are showing immense courage. Those leaders have long ago concluded that the Jewish State of Israel did not need to be feared in the Middle East, but that there were forces — extremist Shia elements and extremist Sunni elements — that ought to be feared and confronted.

The UAE’s leadership is now saying publicly what we always heard privately on our visits to Abu Dhabi – namely that they want to look to the future, not the past, and be strong partners to the United States. They also believe that economic opportunities for their youth lie in greater regional integration, diversification of their economy away from fossil fuels, and in the development of a Western-style high-tech sector. The Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Zayed is a farsighted Arab leader who rightly understands that normalization with Israel can strengthen his bonds with the U.S. and solidify the UAE’s regional leadership.

David Ignatius, Columnist, Washington Post
Issued 13 August 2020

The breakthrough announcement that Israel and the United Arab Emirates will normalize diplomatic relations was the culmination of years of secret contacts — and then a final push by the UAE that persuaded Israel to back off its plans to annex the West Bank.

The decisive turn in the negotiations began in June, when the Emiratis signaled that Israeli plans to declare sovereignty over the West Bank and annex parts of it would shatter the process of normalization that had been making quiet progress. The messenger was Yousef Al Otaiba, the UAE’s ambassador to Washington. He warned of danger ahead in a June 12 op-ed that was published in Hebrew in Yedioth Ahronoth, a leading Israeli paper.

Otaiba affirmed the benefits of normalization for Israel: “Greater security. Direct links. Expanded markets. Growing acceptance. This is what normal could be.” But then he cautioned sharply: “Normal is not annexation. Instead, annexation is a misguided provocation of another order,” and “Israel’s decision on annexation will be an unmistakable signal.”

Tom Friedman, Columnist, New York Times
Issued 13 August 2020

The agreement brokered by the Trump administration for the United Arab Emirates to establish full normalization of relations with Israel, in return for the Jewish state forgoing, for now, any annexation of the West Bank, was exactly what Trump said it was in his tweet: a “HUGE breakthrough.”

This process apparently started after the U.A.E.’s ambassador to Washington, Yousef al-Otaiba, published a letter in Hebrew in the Israeli newspaper Yediot Ahronot in June directly warning that Israeli annexation of the West Bank would undermine the quiet progress Israel had made with the gulf Arabs.

Dennis Ross, Former Special Assistant to President Barack Obama
Issued 13 August 2020

We don’t hear many good news stories out of the Middle East, particularly recently, in the midst of the despair over Beirut, regional conflicts and the ravages of covid-19. But on Thursday there was a hopeful development: President Trump announced a historic peace agreement that will normalize relations between the United Arab Emirates and Israel.

Wall Street Journal Editorial Board
Issued 13 August 2020

President Trump’s Mideast strategy has been to strongly back Israel, support the Gulf monarchies, and press back hard against Iranian imperialism. His liberal critics insisted this would lead to catastrophe that never came, and on Thursday it delivered a diplomatic achievement: The United Arab Emirates and Israel agreed to normalize relations, making the UAE the first Arab League country to recognize the Jewish state in 20 years.

Dan Shapiro, Former United States Ambassador to Israel
Issued 16 August 2020

It has been a long-term strategic goal of Democratic and Republican administrations to pursue normalization between Israel and Arab states. This breakthrough is good news for the United States, and it was warmly welcomed by both the Trump administration and former Vice President Joe Biden’s campaign.

But it brought additional benefits to the United States, by burying any chance of unilateral annexation in the West Bank. That is also good news.

William Wechsler, Director, Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East and Middle East Programs, Atlantic Council
Issued 13 August 2020

It’s been so long since the Middle East last experienced undeniably good news, that observers can be forgiven if they have difficulty recognizing it when it happens. But the “Abraham Accords” is indeed one of those moments.

Ghaith al-Omari, Senior Fellow, Washington Institute for Near East Policy
Issued 13 August 2020

The United States, Israel and the United Arab Emirates pulled off the rarest of feats on Thursday: a diplomatic win-win-win in the Middle East. President Donald Trump announced a historic breakthrough in which the UAE will normalize relations with Israel in exchange for Israel dropping its plan to annex parts of the West Bank that Palestinians claim for a future state.