Isreal and the UAE have reached a historic deal that will lead to a full normalization of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The agreement, led by US President Donald Trump means Israel that suspends plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank.
A joint statement from the UAE, Israel and the US said: “This historic diplomatic breakthrough will advance peace in the Middle East region and is a testament to the bold diplomacy and vision of the three leaders and the courage of the United Arab Emirates and Israel to chart a new path that will unlock the great potential in the region.”
The agreement was reached after talks between Trump, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump announced on Twitter, “HUGE breakthrough today! Historic Peace Agreement between our two GREAT friends, Israel and the United Arab Emirates,”.
“During a call with President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu, an agreement was reached to stop further Israeli annexation of Palestinian territories,” he said. “The UAE and Israel also agreed to cooperation and setting a roadmap towards establishing a bilateral relationship.”
Netanyahu said it was “a historic day” and that the deal would lead to a “full and formal peace” with the UAE.
“It’s an incomparably exciting moment, a historic moment for peace in the Middle East,” Netanyahu said in a televised address.
The deal means the UAE would become the third Arab country to have full diplomatic relations with Israel.
The statement said Israel would suspend declaring sovereignty over areas outlined in Trump’s peace plan for the region and focus on expanding ties with other Arab and Muslim countries.
It said efforts would continue to achieve an “enduring resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
“The United States, Israel and the United Arab Emirates are confident that additional diplomatic breakthroughs with other nations are possible, and will work together to achieve this goal,” the statement said.