Pressure politics

The Abraham Accords, initially presented as a historic Middle East peace initiative, normalized relations between several Arab states and Israel during Donald Trump's presidency. However, these agreements notably failed to address the core Palestinian issue, a fact critics argue makes any expansion dangerous and dishonest.

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The Abraham Accords were presented as a historic peace initiative in the Middle East. In reality, they were agreements brokered during US President Donald Trump’s first presidency under which several Arab states normalised ties with Israel without resolving the Palestinian issue.

Former President Trump is reportedly keen to expand the Accords, encouraging more Muslim countries to join, particularly in the wake of recent Iran conflicts. This push is seen by critics as driven by pressure from Israel's supporters in Washington and the American pro-Israel right, rather than a genuine desire for regional peace. The attempt to link the Iran conflict with the Abraham Accords is viewed as illogical, as tensions with Iran stem from long-standing regional rivalries, not the denial of Palestinian rights.

Many Muslim-majority countries remain unconvinced by the Accords. Pakistan, for instance, has consistently stated that recognition of Israel is contingent upon a fair settlement for Palestinians and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. This position is framed not as extreme, but as a practical acknowledgment that lasting peace cannot be achieved by disregarding the grievances of millions of Palestinians.

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It is a dangerous and deeply dishonest move, driven less by regional peace than by pressure from Israel’s supporters in Washington and America’s hard-line pro-Israel right.

Meanwhile, Israel has shown little inclination toward a genuine settlement, with illegal settlements expanding in occupied territories, Gaza devastated by conflict, and violence persisting in the West Bank. Critics argue it is unjustified to expect Muslim countries to deepen ties with Israel without demanding accountability or a political solution.

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The attempt to connect the Iran conflict with the Abraham Accords makes little sense.

This renewed push for the Abraham Accords is seen as reflecting the influence of the Israeli lobby and the American ultra-right, whose objective is to bolster Israel's regional standing and sideline the Palestinian issue. Furthermore, Washington risks misjudging public opinion across the Muslim world, where the Palestinian cause remains central to perceptions of justice, potentially undermining the long-term legitimacy of such agreements.

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Pakistan’s position has been consistent for years: there can be no recognition of Israel until there is a fair settlement for Palestinians and clarity on the creation of an independent Palestinian state.