Five Years of the Abraham Accords: The Geopolitical Revolution That Changed the Middle East

Introduction: A Historic Turning Point
In September 2020, Israel signed the Abraham Accords with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, and shortly thereafter Morocco and Sudan joined these agreements. Five years later, we can confidently say that this represents one of the most significant geopolitical changes in the Middle East since the establishment of the State of Israel.
The Uniqueness of the Abraham Accords
Breaking the Traditional Paradigm
The Abraham Accords represent a significant paradigmatic shift compared to Israel's previous peace agreements. While the peace agreements with Egypt (1979) and Jordan (1994) were signed with countries that had been at war with Israel and shared a border with it, the Abraham Accords were signed with countries that had no direct conflict with Israel nor any shared border.
The essence of this uniqueness lies in the fact that these countries chose of their own free will to recognize Israel as a legitimate Jewish state, voluntarily abandoning decades of boycott policies and refusal of recognition. This was a step that emerged from strategic and pragmatic vision, not from coercion or military pressure.
Transition from Opposition to Partnership
For decades, many Arab countries operated within the framework of the Arab League to impose economic boycotts on Israel, refuse to recognize it, and work to exclude it from international organizations. The Abraham Accords brought about a dramatic change in this trend, as the signatory countries not only recognized Israel but also began developing active cooperation with it in various fields.
Achievements and Developments in the Past Five Years
Economic Cooperation
Trade and Commerce
The five years that have passed since signing the agreements have brought rapid development of economic relations. Bilateral trade between Israel and the Accords countries jumped from virtually zero to billions of dollars annually. With the United Arab Emirates, for example, trade grew from $12 million in 2019 to approximately $2.5 billion by 2024. With Morocco, trade reached about $130 million annually, compared to zero previously.
Aviation and Tourism
Direct flight routes were opened between the countries, with airlines like El Al, FlyEmirates, Gulf Air and others beginning to operate regular flights. This includes about 30 weekly flights to the United Arab Emirates, dozens of flights to Bahrain and Morocco. The number of Israeli tourists to these countries grew dramatically - over 400,000 Israelis visited the United Arab Emirates since signing the agreements, tens of thousands visited Morocco, and thousands visited Bahrain.
Establishment of Economic Zones and Investments
Special economic zones were established in all Accords countries designated for Israeli businesses. In the United Arab Emirates, the Israeli Trade Center opened in Dubai, in Morocco an Israeli business center was established in Casablanca, and in Bahrain an Israeli trade office opened in Manama. Mutual investments reached billions of dollars, with Emirati investment funds investing in many Israeli companies, while Israeli companies established significant operations in the Accords countries.
Infrastructure and Major Projects
Joint infrastructure projects worth tens of billions of dollars are expected, including ports, railways, energy and communication networks. The planned railway project from India through the United Arab Emirates to Israel and Europe is one of the largest strategic projects in the region.
Technology and Innovation
High-Tech Investments
A fruitful relationship was created in the field of technology and innovation. Hundreds of Israeli companies established offices in Abraham Accords countries, while investors from these countries invested enormous sums - over $3 billion - in Israeli companies. Funds like ADQ, Mubadala and Sovereign Wealth Fund from the United Arab Emirates became major investors in Israeli startups.
Key Development Areas
Key high-tech areas developing in collaboration include:
Artificial Intelligence and Big Data: Collaboration in research and development of AI solutions, with joint research centers and smart city projects
Cybersecurity: Development of joint security solutions, with Israeli companies providing technology to Gulf countries
Fintech and Financial Technology: Collaboration in developing digital payment solutions and crypto
AgriTech: Development of advanced agricultural technologies, especially for desert regions
MedTech: Development of digital medical solutions and advanced pharmaceuticals
CleanTech: Solutions for clean energy and environmental sustainability
Research and Development Centers
Joint research and development centers were established, including the Israeli-Emirati Innovation Center in Dubai, joint research laboratories at universities, and accelerator programs for startups.
Security and Strategic Cooperation
Intelligence Sharing
Close security and intelligence relations developed between the countries. This cooperation includes information exchange on terror threats, monitoring Iranian activity in the region, and coordination against shared regional threats. Joint situation rooms were established and protocols were developed for real-time intelligence sharing.
Air and Maritime Defense
Joint air defense systems were developed, with emphasis on early threat detection and response coordination. The countries coordinate maritime presence in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea to protect shipping routes. Israel provided advanced defense technologies, including radar systems and anti-drone solutions.
Joint Training
Joint military exercises, rescue operations, and civil defense drills are conducted. Security forces from the countries participate in multinational exercises and joint training programs.
Infrastructure Protection
Cooperation was developed in protecting critical infrastructure - ports, airports, energy and communication facilities. Israel shared its expertise in infrastructure protection, while Gulf countries provided intelligence on regional threats.
Culture and Society
Cultural Exchange
Extensive cultural and social communication channels were opened. Chabad houses were established in the United Arab Emirates and Morocco, kosher restaurants were opened, and even new synagogues were established. Artists, musicians and writers from the countries visit each other and participate in festivals and cultural events.
Education and Academia
Student exchange programs were created between universities, mutual scholarships, and joint research programs. Hebrew University, Technion and other academic institutions signed cooperation agreements with institutions in the Accords countries. Joint study programs were established in technology, medicine and economics.
Media and Communications
Communication relations developed between the countries, with joint television and radio programs, journalists visiting different countries, and even collaborations between production companies. Many contents are translated into different languages and reach wide audiences.
Sports
Cooperation also developed in sports, with Israeli athletes competing in Accords countries and vice versa. Joint regional championships, golf competitions, and tournaments in various sports were held.
Jewish Communities
Jewish communities in the Accords countries, especially in Morocco and the United Arab Emirates, experienced significant revival. Many Jews who left Morocco in the past began returning for visits and even investments. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, active Jewish communities operate with synagogues, Chabad houses and Jewish educational institutions.
The Exclusive Club: Expanding Abraham Accords Membership
Current Membership
Today, the Abraham Accords club includes the following countries:
United Arab Emirates
Bahrain
Morocco
Sudan
Brunei
Kosovo
These countries created a network of close relations with Israel, each with its unique characteristics and advantages.
Candidates for Future Membership
Additional countries that may join the club are on the horizon:
At the Regional Level:
Saudi Arabia - considered the greatest prize, due to its leading position in the Arab and Muslim world
Oman - already maintains unofficial relations with Israel
Qatar - despite complexities, there are indications of future possibility
Iraq - a country with great potential despite political challenges
Lebanon and Syria - countries still far from such a decision
Additional Muslim Countries:
Azerbaijan - already maintains close relations with Israel
Indonesia - the largest Muslim country in the world
Malaysia - an advanced Muslim country with great economic potential
Afghanistan and Pakistan - politically complex countries
Bangladesh - a densely populated Muslim country with economic needs
Geopolitical Impact
Changing Regional Relations System
The Abraham Accords created new dynamics in the Middle East. Countries that were previously part of the resistance axis against Israel became strategic partners. This created a counterweight to the resistance axis led by Iran and its regional proxies.
Creating an Economic-Technological Block
The member countries of the Abraham Accords create a significant economic and technological block. When dealing with countries rich in technology (Israel), energy resources (United Arab Emirates) and strategic location (Morocco), the potential for mutual growth is enormous.
Impact on the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict
The Abraham Accords broke the Arab principle that normalization with Israel cannot occur without solving the Palestinian problem. This created a new reality where Israel can develop regional relations without dependence on progress with the Palestinians, although the Palestinian question still remains an important factor in decisions of additional Arab countries.
Challenges and Limitations
Internal Opposition
In certain countries there is internal opposition to the normalization policy with Israel. This opposition stems from traditional national and religious education, and from a legacy of decades of hostility toward Israel.
Dependence on Political Developments
Progress of the Abraham Accords depends largely on political developments in the region and world. Changes in leadership, regional crises or deterioration in the security situation may affect the pace of progress.
The Iranian Challenge
Iran and its proxies constitute a continuing threat to regional stability and to the existence of the Abraham Accords. The struggle against Iran serves as a unifying factor for the Accords countries, but also as a source of potential instability.
Vision for the Future: A New Middle East
Building a Prosperous Middle East
The vision driving the Abraham Accords is creating a new Middle East - a region of peace, prosperity and stability. Instead of a region known for wars, terror and instability, the goal is to build a region of innovation, economic development and cooperation.
Economic Potential
The combination of natural resources of Gulf countries, Israeli technology, Morocco's strategic location and the human potential of all countries creates enormous economic possibilities. Joint infrastructure projects, research and development centers and new trade routes can change the face of the region.
Global Impact
The expanded Abraham Accords club can become a significant force in the global arena. In a world where competition between powers is intensifying, such a block can influence the international balance of power and constitute an alternative to other geopolitical blocks.
Conclusion: Looking to the Future
Five years after signing the Abraham Accords, it is clear that this represents a historic turning point in the Middle East. The agreements not only changed the map of diplomatic relations in the region, but created new dynamics of cooperation and joint development.
The success of the Abraham Accords lies not only in diplomatic recognition itself, but in creating a network of shared interests - economic, security and technological. This network creates a strong incentive for continuation and strengthening of relations, even in times of crisis.
The exclusive club of the Abraham Accords continues to expand, and with each country that joins it, the potential for regional and global impact grows. Saudi Arabia's joining would undoubtedly constitute the greatest breakthrough, but the addition of other Muslim countries can also change the face of the Middle East and the Muslim world.
While challenges remain many - from internal opposition to regional threats - the direction is clear: the Middle East is undergoing deep change, and the Abraham Accords are the central engine of this change. The next five years will determine whether the vision of a new, peaceful and prosperous Middle East will be fully realized.
The road is still long, but its beginning is promising. The Abraham Accords proved that Middle Eastern countries can choose partnership over hatred, development over destruction, and future over past. This is perhaps the most significant change that has occurred in this region for many generations.
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