This year, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have recognized Israel and signed the Abraham Accords to normalize relations with the country. Now, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is urging that the Saudis follow suit and normalise ties with Israel. President Trump is hoping that the Saudis will lead other Arab nations in the recognition of Israel in hopes to bring peace and security to the region after decades of violence. Officials are also hoping that the normalization with Israel will counter Iranian influence.
On the other hand, Palestinian Authority is condemning the normalization of Israel, since they are still being oppressed. Palestinians have thought that other Arab countries will support them because of their similar beliefs, but if Saudis recognize Israel, it is likely more countries will follow their lead.
From Israel’s perspective, normalizing relations is a major win, and to other countries it seems as though there will be more security in the region, but there will never be full peace and satisfaction until Israel starts treating Palestinians better. Palestinians have dealt with displacement and oppression from the Israeli government for decades, and they will continue to fight back against the leaders. There will be more protests against the government, and continue to cause political instability.
Palestinians had their villages wiped out and endured military occupation from Israel, which is funded by the U.S. Normalizing ties with Israel signifies other countries are okay with how Palestinians are treated. The countries that have recognized Israel haven’t asked for guarantees of improving the environment for Palestinians, which shows they don’t care.
Palestinians are currently a stateless nation and want sovereignty and stability. Israel has many resources and is currently in a period of prosperity, but they are only available to Jewish settlements. Palestine wants to have their own borders, but they are not allowed to have any defense alliances. They hate Israel, but if the Israeli government did something to help the people of Palestine, I believe it would greatly improve relations among the two.