The Abraham Accords: Paving the Way for a Peaceful Middle East

This article is informed by a series of interviews conducted by V24 with a diverse group of experts, including lawyers, authors, business leaders, and politicians. Video coming soon.

A New Chapter in Middle East Relations

The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020 under the Trump administration, marked a transformative moment for the Middle East. These agreements brought together Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain, fostering diplomatic ties, economic partnerships, and shared defense strategies. Arsen Ostrovsky, international human rights lawyer, described the accords as “the way of the future,” a testament to breaking down barriers and building alliances in a historically divided region.

The significance of the accords extends beyond political treaties. As Michal Kotler-Wunsch, Israel's Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism, recalled, the accords symbolized hope. "I greeted the first influencers from the Abraham Accord countries in the Knesset during Hanukkah, calling them my Hanukkah miracle."

A Strategic Shift Towards Prosperity

The Middle East’s geopolitical landscape has long been shaped by tribal and religious loyalties. For decades, nations like Iran and Qatar have funded groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas, exacerbating conflicts. Vivian Bercovici, former Canadian ambassador to Israel, highlights the irony: "Qatar is the main financier of the so-called axis of terror... and this is where the money for energy for the West is going."

The Abraham Accords represent a pivot from this cycle of hostility. They aim to counteract extremist threats while fostering regional prosperity. As author and researcher Dan Fefferman explained, “The UAE is one of the most forward-thinking countries in the world,” making it a natural partner for Israel in this groundbreaking initiative.

The Role of Religious and Cultural Diplomacy

A pivotal aspect of the Abraham Accords was their recognition of shared religious heritage. By officially moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem in 2017, President Trump acknowledged the city's historical and spiritual significance to Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike.

"Jews, Muslims, and Christians all stem from one patriarch—Abraham," noted Stefan Tompson, founder of V24. This shared lineage was central to the accords’ philosophy, emphasizing unity through cultural and religious commonalities rather than focusing solely on political interests.

Confronting Regional Threats

Iran remains a critical player in the region's dynamics, posing existential threats to Israel and its neighbors. "There’s a clock in Tehran counting down to the end of Israel," remarked Michael Eisenberg, Israeli businessman and venture capitalist, highlighting the regime’s hostility.

Yet, the accords have exposed a growing divide between Iran’s fundamentalist leadership and the more pragmatic Gulf states. Arsen Ostrovsky observed, “Iran is an existential threat to Israel and a direct security threat to Gulf nations.” This shared concern has driven unlikely allies to collaborate against a common adversary.

The Path Forward

While the Abraham Accords have laid the groundwork for peace, challenges remain. Expanding the accords to include nations like Saudi Arabia could be a game-changer.

Hilik Bar, former Member of Knesset, aptly stated, “The accords prove peace in the Middle East is possible and desirable by people who want to live, not fight or die.” By embracing their Abrahamic heritage, the nations of the Middle East have an opportunity to chart a new course: one rooted in peace, cooperation, and shared destiny.

Alexandra Audrey Tompson

Journalist | Lawyer (Admitted in New York; England & Wales)