opinion
The Abraham Accords
Face Challenges Ahead
BY MEIR BEN-SHABBAT
s we celebrate the second anniversary of
the Abraham Accords, we can look back
with immense satisfaction at the rapid progress in
relations between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain and
Morocco. The accords have managed to overcome the
thorny challenges posed by Israel’s political and
security situation, and their very existence has
now become part of our daily lives.

Moreover, the inherent potential of the accords
is far from being fully exhausted and has actually
grown due to the warming of relations with Turkey
and emerging global economic challenges.

It is essential, however, that we invest serious
effort in bolstering and expanding the framework
of the Abraham Accords, while doing our utmost
to prevent Iran from wielding its negative influ-
ence to sabotage them.

In addition to security-related activity and the
economic progress being made, policymakers
in Israel would do well to consider the following
steps: First, expanding the circle of peace-supporting
countries involved. It is important to invite Sudan
and Chad — which were unjustly left out of the
accords — to participate in all forums and work-
ing groups. It is important that they too enjoy the
fruits of peace and benefit from their decision to
normalize relations with Israel. This will also serve
to encourage additional countries to join. If it does
not take place, it could result in negative momen-
tum or even withdrawal from the agreements.

Second, recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty
over the Western Sahara. Although Israel pro-
vided no outright commitment to do this, there is
clear expectation of it in Rabat, especially after
the U.S. and others recognized Morocco’s claim.

Third, the opening of an overland trade route
via or from Israel to the Gulf states. Such a route
would be considerably more efficient and less
expensive than those currently in use. It would
yield significant economic profits for regional
states, as well as the European Union, which
would benefit from using it to import and export
vehicles. This would be a tremendous boost
to trade among the member countries of the
Abraham Accords, while also contributing to the
global economy.

Fourth, expediting joint ventures for marketing
solutions to globally urgent problems in the fields
of energy, food and water, while exploiting the
18 SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 | JEWISHEXPONENT.COM
Oleksii Liskonih / iStock / Getty Images Plus
A It is essential ... however, that we invest serious
effort in bolstering and expanding the framework
of the Abraham Accords, while doing our utmost
to prevent Iran from wielding its negative
influence to sabotage them.

relative advantages of Israel and the Gulf states.

Fifth, expanding educational and cultural initia-
tives to reinforce deeply-entrenched attitudes in
favor of peace and weaken separatist approaches
and radical Islamic ideas. This is critical to estab-
lishing peace at the popular level, between citi-
zens and peoples, rather than just between states
and governments.

Who said making peace was easy? Signing trea-
ties is always a festive occasion that uplifts the
spirit, filling us with joy and optimism. However,
just as with a marriage, the wedding ceremony
is only the start. The main task lies in the days
and years ahead. In order to build a life together,
we must realize that we cannot take peace for
granted. It requires effort, investment, initiative,
creativity and constant innovation. Every success
along the way bolsters faith in the partnership
together with the belief that this is indeed the right
way ahead. Common experiences add emotion
and inject new, vital energy into the process.

Despite political fluctuations, the Abraham
Accords have been and still remain a consensus
issue. This is not only due to the clear advan-
tages in the security, economic and technological
aspects of the agreements, but because they
express the sincere hope for genuine peace
based on strength and security and a much
brighter future. JE
Meir Ben-Shabbat, a visiting senior research fel-
low at the Institute for National Security Studies,
served as Israel’s national security adviser and
head of the National Security Council between
2017 and 2021. This op-ed was originally pub-
lished by Israel Hayom.