We learned today that Israel is going to establish “full normalization of relations” with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Also, Israel will forgo its plans to annex parts of Judea and Samaria, in the West Bank.
These are two separate yet linked headlines. created by President Donald Trump. Israel and the UAE are bride and groom. Trump is the matchmaker. His achievement, and Israel’s, should not be dismissed.
Israel gained good relations with an Arab country. And by gaining it, it sends a message that cannot be lost on other countries: normalization is here, and those refusing to join in will be left behind. More specifically Israel, proves the point that time is on its side. It proves the point, made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu many years ago, that resolving the Palestinian issue is not the key to Middle East peace, or to normalizing relations with the Arab world.
Strategically speaking, it is a crucial message. Especially for those still stuck on the notion that the road to Baghdad goes through Ramallah, or some other version of this old, updated notion. Netanyahu proved his critics wrong. He does not move forward with resolving the Palestinian conflict and yet, he advances Israel’s relations with the Arab world.
For many months, annexation in Judea and Samaria was the big prize Israel was expecting. Annexation is controversial, and many have opposed it but it was the main diplomatic course the government was getting ready to follow.
The Trump administration got cold feet. Whether that is good or bad is up for debate, and Israelis will engage in that debate. But at some point Israel realized that annexation with Trump’s blessing was not happening. He and his staff should be praised for sensing that ditching annexation had a price tag; that the U.S. and Israel could use the threat of annexation to get something else in return.
Politically speaking, this is not going to help Netanyahu much. Israelis on the right who supported annexation will be disappointed. They will criticize the prime minister for caving, and will see less reasons to keep supporting him (his government is currently a failure on most other fronts). Israelis who did not care much for annexation will also not care much about the UAE. As important diplomatically as it is, the new accord will not change our lives. The UAE is not a real neighbor. It is not an intimidating arch enemy, so the psychological impact of normalization will be small, especially when people are busy with a pandemic and an economic crisis.
Then again, there’s a message here and if Israelis do not see it, that’s unfortunate but not crucial. Because the real addressees of this message are not Israelis. They’re Palestinians. The message to them is: compromise or lose. It is a message to Arab states: what are you waiting for? It is a message to Iran: the coalition against your ambitions is being shaped. It is a message to the world: You want peace? Here is one way to get it. It’s not the way you envisioned it and failed to implement it. It’s a way that may actually work.
Why the Israel-UAE Normalization Matters
Shmuel Rosner
We learned today that Israel is going to establish “full normalization of relations” with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Also, Israel will forgo its plans to annex parts of Judea and Samaria, in the West Bank.
These are two separate yet linked headlines. created by President Donald Trump. Israel and the UAE are bride and groom. Trump is the matchmaker. His achievement, and Israel’s, should not be dismissed.
Israel gained good relations with an Arab country. And by gaining it, it sends a message that cannot be lost on other countries: normalization is here, and those refusing to join in will be left behind. More specifically Israel, proves the point that time is on its side. It proves the point, made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu many years ago, that resolving the Palestinian issue is not the key to Middle East peace, or to normalizing relations with the Arab world.
Strategically speaking, it is a crucial message. Especially for those still stuck on the notion that the road to Baghdad goes through Ramallah, or some other version of this old, updated notion. Netanyahu proved his critics wrong. He does not move forward with resolving the Palestinian conflict and yet, he advances Israel’s relations with the Arab world.
For many months, annexation in Judea and Samaria was the big prize Israel was expecting. Annexation is controversial, and many have opposed it but it was the main diplomatic course the government was getting ready to follow.
The Trump administration got cold feet. Whether that is good or bad is up for debate, and Israelis will engage in that debate. But at some point Israel realized that annexation with Trump’s blessing was not happening. He and his staff should be praised for sensing that ditching annexation had a price tag; that the U.S. and Israel could use the threat of annexation to get something else in return.
Politically speaking, this is not going to help Netanyahu much. Israelis on the right who supported annexation will be disappointed. They will criticize the prime minister for caving, and will see less reasons to keep supporting him (his government is currently a failure on most other fronts). Israelis who did not care much for annexation will also not care much about the UAE. As important diplomatically as it is, the new accord will not change our lives. The UAE is not a real neighbor. It is not an intimidating arch enemy, so the psychological impact of normalization will be small, especially when people are busy with a pandemic and an economic crisis.
Then again, there’s a message here and if Israelis do not see it, that’s unfortunate but not crucial. Because the real addressees of this message are not Israelis. They’re Palestinians. The message to them is: compromise or lose. It is a message to Arab states: what are you waiting for? It is a message to Iran: the coalition against your ambitions is being shaped. It is a message to the world: You want peace? Here is one way to get it. It’s not the way you envisioned it and failed to implement it. It’s a way that may actually work.
Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.
Editor's Picks
Israel and the Internet Wars – A Professional Social Media Review
The Invisible Student: A Tale of Homelessness at UCLA and USC
What Ever Happened to the LA Times?
Who Are the Jews On Joe Biden’s Cabinet?
You’re Not a Bad Jewish Mom If Your Kid Wants Santa Claus to Come to Your House
No Labels: The Group Fighting for the Political Center
Latest Articles
Shabbat HaGadol – Redeeming Dibbur – Voice and Speech of God
Ha Lachma Anya
Passover 2024: The Four Difficulties
Israel Strikes Deep Inside Iran
NSFW – A Poem for Parsha Metzora
Israel War Room Launches in Spanish
Culture
Make Felt Seder Plate Elements
Oct. 7 Events to Be Depicted in New Stage Show
Shani Seidman: Manischewitz, Passover Memories and Matzo Brei
Was Spinoza a Victim of Cancel Culture?
Modern Book Bans Echo Past Atrocities and Further Silence Marginalized Voices
While many book ban efforts have focused on politically conservative states like Florida and Texas, such efforts have been occurring even in states with more liberal reputations.
The Power of the Passover Seder to Unite Jews
This year, just six months after the brutal terrorist attack on October 7th, the Passover holiday is more important than ever.
Dr. Nicole Saphier Reflects on Motherhood and Jewish Advocacy
Just in time for Mother’s Day, Saphier has put out a new book called, “Love, Mom: Inspiring Stories Celebrating Motherhood.”
Israel’s David Moment
How Iran’s attack on the Jewish state could help unify a fractured Middle East
Beit Issie Shapiro Gala, David Labkovski Exhibit, de Toledo College Signing Day, JFSLA Shabbat
Notable people and events in the Jewish LA community.
Hollywood
Spielberg Says Antisemitism Is “No Longer Lurking, But Standing Proud” Like 1930s Germany
Young Actress Juju Brener on Her “Hocus Pocus 2” Role
Behind the Scenes of “Jeopardy!” with Mayim Bialik
Podcasts
Shani Seidman: Manischewitz, Passover Memories and Matzo Brei
Joan Nathan: “My Life in Recipes” and Pecan Lemon Torte
More news and opinions than at a
Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.
More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.