"Annexation of the West Bank by Israel is a crucial boundary in the Middle East"
The UAE has reiterated its commitment to a peaceful coexistence with Israel, but the threat of annexation of the West Bank has once again emerged as a contentious issue. This potential annexation, which was previously countered by the Abraham Accords, signed five years ago in Washington, has returned to the forefront.
Israeli settlement building and military-backed occupation in the West Bank are becoming increasingly entrenched, causing concern among neighbouring countries. The UN has recorded over 1,000 attacks by Israeli settlers in 230 communities across the occupied West Bank this year, leading to the deaths of 11 Palestinians and injuries to 700 others.
The family of West Bank resident Badran Moussa, who built a home 30 years ago in the village of Al Mazraah Al Gharbiyah, has experienced daily attacks and intimidation from young settlers since the Gaza war began in October 2023.
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi expressed apprehension at Israeli encroachment at a meeting of Arab foreign ministers in Cairo, while Lebanon, particularly through its Hezbollah leadership, has increasingly distanced itself from Israel after intensified Israeli military actions in the West Bank. Hezbollah's chief has warned of civil war if the Lebanese government continues efforts aligned with Israeli and US demands to disarm the militia.
Israeli actions are causing neighboring countries to question partnership with Israel. Israeli figures once claimed that Israel sought peace but lacked a partner, but their actions such as the destruction of Gaza, presence in Syria and Lebanon, and long-range strikes on Yemen, are causing neighboring countries to reassess this claim.
The increasing alienation caused by Israeli actions may frustrate US President Donald Trump's vision of expanding the Abraham Accords to include more countries. The goal of some leading Israeli politicians, including Cabinet members, is total control over the West Bank and the blocking of a sovereign Palestinian state. More Palestinian land is being stolen and more settlements are being built in the West Bank.
Such annexation would severely undermine the vision and spirit of the Abraham Accords and alter the consensus on the trajectory of the conflict. The job of maintaining a pragmatic, working relationship with Israel is becoming increasingly difficult, as some leading Israeli politicians are indifferent to this criminal campaign.
The Abraham Accords aimed to redefine relationships in the Middle East and keep Palestine at the heart of the conversation. As the threat of annexation looms, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be successful in promoting peace and prosperity in the region.
Read also:
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Trump's Policies: Tariffs, AI, Surveillance, and Possible Martial Law
- Uncovering Political Ad Transparency: A Guide to Investigating opponent's Political Advertisements in the Digital Realm
- Elon Musk praises JD Vance's debate performance against Tim Walz
