What is Abraham Accords ?

The Abraham Accords refer to a series of diplomatic agreements that normalized relations between Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in 2020. The agreements were facilitated by the United States government under President Donald Trump, and were formally signed in Washington, DC on September 15, 2020.

Countries Involved

Initial Country Signatories

United Arab Emirates

Bahrain

Follow-On Agreements:  

Sudan (based on a 2020 agreement; remains unratified in 2024)

Morocco (with U.S. acknowledgment of Moroccan sovereignty in Western Sahara)

Possible Future Expansion (as of July 2025).

 Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia

Context/Motivation

 Common Regional Concerns: There was increasing cooperation between Israel and Sunni Arab states that began in the 2010s, largely due to common concerns about Iran and Iran’s nuclear program.

Trump Peace Plan: Normalization was expedited in 2020 when Israel agreed to suspend plans to annex portions of the West Bank in exchange for the UAE establishing diplomatic ties with Israel.

Benefits for Countries Involved:

Israel- United Arab Emirates: suspension of the annexation of the West Bank.

Morocco: Acknowledgement by the U.S. of its claim to Western Sahara.

Sudan: Removal from the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list and access for international funding.

Areas of Cooperation

 Diplomatic Relations

Economic/Trade Initiatives

Security/Military Cooperation

 Governments: Supportive of normalization efforts. They see strategic, economic and other benefits to normalization with Israel.

Public opinion: Mixed to negative in many Arab countries. The public sees the lack of movement on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Symbolism to the Name :

In naming the “Abraham Accords,” the U.S. wanted to reflect the common Abrahamic religious heritage of Islam and Judaism.

Background to Normalization :

Collapse of the Peace Process :

The Oslo Accords of 1993-1995 were intended to move the Israeli-Palestinian peace process forward. The collapse of the peace process came as the catalyst of the Second Intifada, increased Israeli settlement activity, and the rise of Hamas in Gaza (2006).

Informal cooperation (2010s):

In the 2010s, Israel’s intelligence and even diplomacy were steadily expanding with Saudi Arabia, Oman and other Gulf states. High-profile visits and symbolic events began moving to break existing taboos.

Israeli leaders were traveling to Gulf states.

Israeli anthems were played in sporting events.

Key moments leading to the Accords :

Diplomatic overtures (2018-2019) :

In October 2018, Netanyahu visited Oman, along with senior Israeli security officials.

Israeli officials participated in sporting events, including in the UAE.

The Warsaw conference of 2019 was the first time Israeli and Arab leaders shared an international stage since the Madrid Conference of 1991.

Trump peace plan (January 2020)

The Trump Peace plan presented a heavy pro-Israel vision of a two state solution. The plan was met with intense criticism, particularly as being unrealistic, and politically driven.

How the UAE-Israel Deal Came Together:

Timeline for the UAE-Israel Deal:

• June 2020: Emirati Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba tells Israel any annexation would disrupt normalization.
• July 2020: Al Otaiba offers a deal – normalization if you stop the annexation.
• August 13, 2020: Israel and the UAE announced an agreement.
• Bahrain requested to follow almost immediately.

The Signing:

• The signing took place on September 15, 2020 at the White House.

Signers:

• Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel
• Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE
• Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Bahrain