Affiliation: Independent journalist
Author: Jonathan Cook
Organization/Publisher: Middle East Eye
Date/Place: December 14, 2020/UK
Type of Literature: Analysis
Word Count: 2483
Link:https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/how-gulf-states-became-business-partners-israels-occupation
Keywords: Palestine, Abraham Accords, Gulf States, Israel
Brief:
The article provides detail how Israel profits from the normalization with Bahrain and UAE. Cook argues that the Abraham Accords’ actual objective seems less about helping Palestinians; Israel started normalization with some significant Arab States without any concessions on the Palestinian issue. Instead, this accord facilitates regional intelligence between Israel and some of the Gulf States, especially on Iran; and the Gulf States will have access to Israeli hi-tech. Moreover, this normalization supports the Israeli occupation itself and its illegal settlements—it came in a time where Israel is intensifying its occupation. So, the peace deals keep the settlements established further, helping Israel in its annexing the West Bank in every aspect. Also, there will be cooperation between Bahrain, UAE, and Israel on checkpoint upgrades; this makes the Israeli occupation more permanent, which is a breach of international law. The Gulf States are involved in subsidizing these Israeli violations. Therefore, according to the author, the claim that the Abraham Fund’s checkpoint upgrade helps the Palestinians is patently ridiculous.
By: Fadi Zatari, CIGA Senior Research Associate
