China News Agency, Washington, August 13 (Reporter Chen Mengtong) U.S. President Trump announced at the White House on the 13th that he reached an agreement after a tripartite phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed. The United Emirates agreed to normalize relations.
This means that the UAE has become the first Gulf Arab country to establish diplomatic relations with Israel and the third Arab country to establish diplomatic relations with Israel. Prior to this, Egypt and Jordan had established diplomatic relations with Israel.
Data map: US President Trump. Photo by China News Agency reporter Chen Mengtong
Trump announced the news in the Oval Office that day. He said that this is "a truly historic moment." "Since the deadlock has been broken, I hope that more Arab and Muslim countries will follow in the UAE's footsteps."
Netanyahu said on social media that this is a "historic day."
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying that this "historical diplomatic breakthrough" will promote peace in the Middle East.
According to the tripartite joint statement of the United States, Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Israel will suspend its claims of sovereignty over parts of the West Bank and is committed to expanding and developing relations with Arab and Muslim countries. Israel and the UAE will sign bilateral agreements on investment, tourism, direct flights, security, technology, energy, and mutual embassy in the next few weeks.
The statement stated that this normalization of relations and peaceful diplomacy will bring together the two most reliable and capable US regional partners. Israel and the UAE will work with the United States to launch a strategic agenda aimed at expanding diplomatic, trade and security cooperation in the Middle East.
The Associated Press commented that this statement was a rare diplomatic victory for Trump before the November election.
On January 28 this year, Trump and Netanyahu announced at the White House the so-called "Agreement of the Century" to promote the settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli issue. The agreement recognizes Israel’s sovereignty over Jewish settlements in the West Bank and requires Israel to stop the expansion of settlements in the next four years, and to start negotiations with the Palestinian side during this period. The agreement was immediately opposed by Palestine.
Regarding the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE, Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, criticized on the 13th that this was nothing but a "secret transaction" between the two countries.
American public opinion believes that in view of Israel's actual control of the West Bank, Israel's language to suspend sovereignty claims may be a move by Netanyahu to "bet on both sides" before the US election. However, he will also face pressure from hardliners in Israel. (Finish)