It is not surprising to acknowledge the peace deal between the UAE and Israel that took place on August 13th. The circumstances taking place in the Middle East for the past few decades clearly indicated implicit cooperation between the two. Despite Israel’s efforts to build a state on the ruins of Palestine, long negating the human rights of Muslim brothers and sisters, there has been no major or minor Arab – Israeli conflict for nearly four decades. It is clear that the Arab regimes see no reason to reject the recognition of Israel. This has also been proved by the James Zogby polling of September 2019 introducing a sheer change in attitudes of the Arab world perceiving the Arab-Israeli conflict as no more threatening or troublesome.
The UAE-Israeli cooperation gives rise to various questions regarding the fate of Muslims as Ummah, Palestine as a peaceful state, a peaceful alliance between UAE and Pakistan; a state that never recognized Israel and always showed its support for Palestine. However, one must speculate the possible reasons for the UAE taking this explicit action of making a peace deal with Israel. According to the UAE, Dubai is a business hub and intends to lessen its dependency on hydrocarbons. The cooperation with Israel will open ways for economic and diplomatic strength for the country. It is clear that the interests of the UAE stand above the Muslim unity.
However, it also has to be taken into consideration that the UAE was never involved in six Arab-Israeli conflicts. The United States has also always at the back of the UAE. Thanks to the chaos of the Trump administration, America’s weak response to Iranian provocation in the Persian Gulf made America, Israel, and the Arab world even more insecure. They see Iran and Turkey engagement as threatening to their strategic interests. Under these circumstances, cooperation with Israel is considered as the best choice for the Arab world to hold regional influence and fight Iranian proxies. After all, it will open ways for the UAE to access the best weaponry technology provided by Israel like Jordan and Egypt.
On the other hand, Israel’s Prime Minister sees this new alliance with the UAE as an opportunity. It will give Tel Aviv greater acceptance in the Middle East; sharing a common strategy with the Gulf monarchies in pushing back against political Islamization. Moreover, Prime Minister Netanyahu will be able to extricate himself from the multiple indictments regarding his response to COVID-19 and serious charges of corruption.
What strikes the analysts is that it may disrupt the balance of power in the Middle East. The cause of Palestine is no longer a concern for the Arab world. Hamas clearly called the move as a ‘’Stab in the back’’. Palestine is left with limited choice. It either will accept Israel’s oppression and hegemonic attitude or is likely to get support from Iran, Turkey, and militant anti-Zionist global agencies.
Mehak Cheema
The writer is a Researcher/ content writer and previously worked as a Field Monitor
