Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have struck a historic deal to normalise relations between the two countries, the BBC reported.
This makes the UAE the third country in the Middle East and North African region to have normal ties with Israel, after Egypt and Jordan, and the first country in the Gulf region to do so.
Reuters reported that the agreement will be known as the Abraham Accords, and was confirmed by U.S. President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Mohamed Bin Zayed (commonly referred to as MBZ), on Twitter.
Israel to halt attempt at annexation of Palestinian territories
In addition, MBZ's tweet announced that Israel will halt "further annexation" of Palestinian territories, and revealed that the agreement was reached during a three-way phone call between all three leaders.
According to CNBC, this refers to a pause on Israel's attempt to annex parts of the West Bank that are claimed by the Palestinians.
A statement by the UAE's ambassador to the U.S., Yousef Al Otaiba, added that talks to implement normalisation will be conducted in the coming weeks.
He elaborated that the UAE and Israel will expand cooperation on fighting Covid-19, as well as discussions on visa access and telecommunications and shipping links.
Trump: I expect more Arab and Muslim countries to follow UAE's lead
Reuters reported that the phone call took place on August 13 and quoted White House officials who stated that the agreement had been the outcome of extensive discussions between all three countries which had recently accelerated.
Meanwhile, Trump said that a signing ceremony between Israel and the UAE will be held at the White House in the upcoming weeks.
He further stated:
"This deal is a significant step towards building a more peaceful, secure and prosperous Middle East. Now that the ice has been broken, I expect more Arab and Muslim countries will follow the United Arab Emirates’ lead .... and normalise relations with Israel."
Not everyone has welcomed the agreement, however.
The Jerusalem Post reported that some Israeli settlers have slammed the deal.
The head of the Beit El Regional Council, Shai Alon, said in response that Netanyahu has "betrayed" the settlers, as many expect the peace deal will result in Israel's delaying its plan to annex parts of the West Bank.
Top image collage left and right image from Wikipedia, centre image from Donald Trump Facebook