The United Arab Emirates has issued a stern warning to Israel, stating that any annexation of the occupied West Bank would cross a ‘red line’ and jeopardize the Abraham Accords that normalized relations between the two countries. This warning comes in response to proposals by Israeli far-right ministers to annex large portions of the territory, threatening regional stability and the two-state solution.
Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE’s assistant minister for political affairs, emphasized that such a move would severely undermine the vision of the Abraham Accords and end the pursuit of regional integration. She stated that annexation would alter the international consensus for a two-state solution, which is widely supported as the path to peace. Nusseibeh’s remarks were delivered just ahead of the fifth anniversary of the accords, marking the strongest rebuke yet from Abu Dhabi.
The warning was prompted by recent comments from Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who unveiled a plan to annex approximately 82% of the West Bank, citing the principle of ‘maximum land with minimum Arabs.’ Smotrich argued that this would permanently bury the idea of a Palestinian state, a stance that has drawn sharp criticism. His proposal includes applying Israeli sovereignty to most of the territory, leaving isolated enclaves around Palestinian cities.
The Abraham Accords, brokered by the US in 2020, saw the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco establish full diplomatic relations with Israel. A key condition for the UAE’s participation was the suspension of annexation plans, which Israel agreed to but kept on the table. The accords were intended to foster regional stability and support Palestinian aspirations, but recent developments threaten to unravel this progress.
Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967 and has built numerous settlements there, which are considered illegal under international law. An estimated 3.3 million Palestinians live in the territory, alongside about 700,000 Israeli settlers. The settlements have long been a point of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Palestinians seeking the West Bank, along with East Jerusalem and Gaza, for a future state.
The timing of this warning is critical, as several Western nations, including the UK, France, Australia, and Canada, are planning to recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly this month. Israel views this potential recognition as a reward for terrorism following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and is considering annexation as a retaliatory measure. Netanyahu’s government is reportedly debating various options, from limited takeovers to broader annexation.
Far-right ministers like Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir advocate for maximalist approaches, opposing partial annexation and pushing for sovereignty over all territory not inhabited by Palestinians. This would further encircle Palestinian population centers, undermining the viability of a contiguous Palestinian state. The Palestinian Authority has welcomed the UAE’s stance, seeing it as a defense against Israeli expansion.
This development raises significant doubts about the future of regional normalization efforts, particularly with Saudi Arabia, and could lead to increased tensions in the Middle East. The international community, including the US, will likely play a key role in mediating the situation to prevent further escalation and preserve the fragile peace process.