Israel and the UAE agreed to normalise relations. Israel will suspend plans to annex parts of the West Bank. The breakthrough was announced yesterday by leaders of Israel, the UAE and the USA. They hope it will advance peace in the Middle East. Israel has had diplomatic relations with Egypt and Jordan for decades. It has had no relationships with Gulf Arab states. Israel will now focus its efforts on expanding ties with nations in the Arab and Muslim world.
The three leaders behind the Abraham Accord called it a "testament to the bold diplomacy...vision...and courage of the UAE and Israel". They hope it will "unlock great potential in the region". Mr Netanyahu called it a "historic day". The UAE called the deal a "win for diplomacy" that would lower tensions and create "new energy for positive change". Palestinians called it a "betrayal" of the Palestinian cause and the equivalent of being "sold out by friends".