The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020 under President Donald Trump’s administration, aimed to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab nations, notably Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The agreements, brokered during Trump’s final months in office, were seen as a significant diplomatic breakthrough, with the U.S. President leading Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and officials from the Gulf states at the White House to ink the deal. The Accords were designed to strengthen economic and security ties, with an emphasis on cooperation and mutual benefit.
Despite the initial enthusiasm surrounding the Accords, analysts have since pointed out that the agreements did not tackle the root causes of the Middle East conflicts. Instead, they focused on diplomatic and commercial engagement, leaving unresolved issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and territorial disputes. Critics argue that the optimism about the Accords leading to lasting peace was unjustified, as the agreements did not address the complex political and security challenges that continue to shape the region.
Experts emphasize that the U.S. policy under Trump was more about fostering regional stability through economic partnerships than resolving long-standing grievances. While the Accords have undeniably improved diplomatic relations between some Arab states and Israel, the absence of a comprehensive peace plan has left many questions unanswered. The lack of progress on core issues like the status of Palestinian territories and the right of return for Palestinian refugees remains a significant barrier to achieving broader regional peace. As such, the Abraham Accords are seen as a step in the right direction, but not a transformative solution to the deep-seated conflicts in the Middle East.