President Donald Trump says Israel and the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) have reached a new peace agreement that could have a significant impact in the Middle East.
In a tweet on Thursday morning, Trump shared the news of the agreement, which was brokered with the help of the United States.
“HUGE breakthrough today! Historic Peace Agreement between our two GREAT friends, Israel and the United Arab Emirates!” he said in a tweet.
HUGE breakthrough today! Historic Peace Agreement between our two GREAT friends, Israel and the United Arab Emirates!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 13, 2020
The president also shared a joint statement from Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the U.A.E.
The statement read:
This historic diplomatic breakthrough will advance peace in the Middle East region and is a testament to the bold diplomacy and vision of the three leaders and the courage of the United Arab Emirates and Israel to chart a new path that will unlock the great potential in the region.”
The leaders noted all three of the countries face “many common challenges” and said all sides would benefit from the agreement.
Delegations from Israel and the U.A.E. will meet to sign agreements on trade, tourism, security, telecommunications, healthcare, technology, and “other areas of mutual benefit.”
“Opening direct ties between two of the Middle East’s most dynamic societies and advanced economies will transform the region by spurring economic growth, enhancing technological innovation, and forging closer people-to-people relations,” the statement read.
Read the statement below:
Joint Statement of the United States, the State of Israel, and the United Arab Emirates pic.twitter.com/oVyjLxf0jd
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 13, 2020
Part of the agreement dictates that Israel will scrap its planned annexation of Palestinian land.
“As a result of this diplomatic breakthrough and at the request of President Trump with the support of the United Arab Emirates, Israel will suspend declaring sovereignty over areas outlined in the President’s Vision for Peace and focus its efforts now on expanding ties with other countries in the Arab and Muslim world.”
Israel announced earlier this year that it planned to annex the West Bank, where an estimated 3 million Palestinians and 500,000 Jewish settlers live, on July 1. However, that date came and went without annexation.
The statement said that the United States, Israel, and the U.A.E., believe there can be future agreements with other nations, “and will work together to achieve this goal.”
Additionally, the two nations will cooperate on a coronavirus vaccine to “help save Muslim, Jewish, and Christian lives throughout the region.”
The statement went on to say that all three nations “similar outlook regarding the threats and opportunities in the region, as well as a shared commitment to promoting stability through diplomatic engagement, increased economic integration, and closer security coordination.”
“Today’s agreement will lead to better lives for the peoples of the United Arab Emirates, Israel, and the region,” it added.
And finally, the leaders agreed to work to “achieve a just, comprehensive and enduring resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, State Department Senior Advisor to the Secretary Brian Hook hailed the agreement, “What we see today is a new Middle East.”
And National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien said it will bring peace to the region, according to the White House pool report.
When asked about the tone of the negotiations, Trump said, “It was like love.”
He emphasized the U.A.E.’s influence in the region, “U.A.E. is big stuff. U.A.E. is very powerful, very strong, has one of the strongest militaries.”
Additionally, he said there would be a signing of the agreement at the White House in the coming weeks.
