Five Years Since the Abraham Agreement
This week marks five years since Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain signed the Abraham Agreement on the Southern Lawns of the White House, a significant moment in history. What many once considered an impossible dream has now become a reality. Arab nations are openly embracing peace with Israel, a shift largely attributed to American leadership rather than endless negotiations.
I had the honor of collaborating with President Donald Trump to facilitate this milestone. The Abraham Agreement wasn’t just a stroke of diplomatic luck or wishful thinking; it sprang from solid policies grounded in reality. The essence of its strength lies in the need for the U.S. to position itself as a supportive ally to Israel, allowing Israel’s Arab neighbors to unite with the Jewish state, given the right incentives.
Fast forward five years, and the impact of this agreement is clear. It has helped maintain peace among signatories, including Morocco and Sudan, even during some of Israel’s toughest times.
Trump’s Role in Middle Eastern Peace
When Hamas conducted a serious terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, many worried that the new partnerships might crumble. Yet, the ambassador remained in Israel, and trade continued, demonstrating resilience in a region where alliances often change rapidly. That steadiness is, in itself, a historic achievement.
Trade between Israel and its new allies has dramatically increased, reaching billions. Collaborative business ventures create jobs and solidify societal connections. For instance, there are direct flights linking Tel Aviv with Abu Dhabi, and Dubai with Manama. Israeli tourists are now visiting lands from which their ancestors had to flee decades ago. These personal connections can considerably reduce future conflicts and enhance stability. As history has shown us, nations that prosper together are less likely to go to war.
The Future of the Abraham Agreement
Unexpectedly, these successes have occurred while the current administration has largely overlooked efforts to expand the circle of peace established by the Abraham Agreement. Previous administrations focused on appeasing adversarial entities, leading to a stagnant peace that misses opportunities for transformative changes in the region.
The U.S. has a chance to re-energize the momentum for peace that President Trump initiated during his first term. It’s crucial that America reiterates its unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and assures nations willing to engage with Israel that the U.S. welcomes their partnership. Particularly, Saudi Arabia’s potential entry into the agreement would be a significant leap forward.
Normalizing relations between Riyadh and Jerusalem could usher in a fresh era of security, cooperation, and economic growth, breaking the long-standing isolation of Israel in the Arab world and heralding a brighter future for the region.
The Abraham Agreement is already reshaping narratives in the Middle East. It has shown that authentic peace arises not from attempts to unify dissenters but from fostering real connections among those willing to embrace cooperation.
As we celebrate this fifth anniversary, let’s not just preserve what’s been achieved but also aim to broaden the circle of peace to include all who desire a future founded on hope instead of animosity. The dreams of a Middle East characterized by peace and prosperity are closer today than they have been in living memory. With robust leadership, like that from the Trump administration, this vision might still materialize into a lasting reality.
