White House to Announce New Country Recognizing Israel
The White House is set to reveal on Thursday that an additional country will establish diplomatic relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords, according to Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy.
"I'm flying back to Washington tonight because we're going to announce, tonight, another country coming into the Abraham Accords," Witkoff said at the America Business Forum in Miami.
Background on the Abraham Accords
During President Trump's first term, several Arab nations normalized relations with Israel in 2020 through the Abraham Accords. This diplomatic initiative has significantly impacted regional dynamics.
Impact on Palestinians
The Accords have contributed to the political isolation and weakening of Palestinian positions by undermining a longstanding Arab consensus that recognition of Israel should come only after peace concessions. Palestinians, who have endured Israeli occupation for years, view the deal as a betrayal by Arab countries that once pledged support for their independence and urged Israel to retreat from territories occupied since 1948.
Summary
The forthcoming announcement marks a continued shift in Middle East diplomacy, further connecting nations with Israel while highlighting ongoing tensions regarding Palestinian statehood.