West Bank Annexation Is Our Red Line; UAE Warns Israel

West Bank annexation is our red line, which could jeopardize the Abraham Accords and regional peace

The United Arab Emirates has declared the West Bank its ‘red line’, saying that if Israel annexes the area, the Abraham Accords could be in jeopardy.

These views were expressed by Lana Nusseiba, the UAE’s top diplomat and special envoy to the Foreign Minister, in an interview with the Israeli newspaper The Times of Israel.

In response to a question, she said that annexation of the West Bank by Israel would mean that the two-state solution would be buried forever and the dream of regional integration would end.

Lana Nusseiba added that Israel’s unjust move to annex the West Bank would forever end the possibility of any lasting peace in the region.

Lana Nusseiba said that every Arab country is still ready to talk about restoring diplomatic relations with Israel, but if Israel annexes the West Bank to appease extremist elements, this opportunity will be gone forever.

She added that Saudi Arabia and other Arab states can also normalize relations with Israel, but the condition is that Israel not only abandons annexation but also takes a solid and irreversible path to the establishment of a Palestinian state.

In the interview, Nusseiba also indirectly addressed the new administration of US President Donald Trump and said that we are confident that President Trump will not allow the success of the Abraham Accords to be spoiled by extremists.

Lana Nusseiba recalled that despite the Hamas attack in October 2023, the UAE recognized Israel’s security concerns and at the same time provided the most aid to the people of Gaza.

However, he warned that if Israel tries to further consolidate its presence in the West Bank, the entire region could be on a path of “no return.”

Finally, Nusseiba made a direct appeal to the Israeli people, saying that the Abraham Accords are a symbol of prosperity, coexistence, tolerance and stability. Israel still has a chance, but this hand will be withdrawn after annexation.

It should be noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to consult with some of his cabinet ministers on the possible annexation of the West Bank.

The Israeli prime minister is taking this step in response to the announcement of recognition of a Palestinian state by Western countries, especially Britain, France, Canada, Australia and Belgium.

The UAE’s warning to terminate the Abraham Accords comes just days before the agreement completes its five-year anniversary.

It should be recalled that in 2020, when the UAE signed the Abraham Accords with Israel, it made it clear to Israel that annexation of the West Bank and restoration of diplomatic relations were not possible at the same time, and as a result, Israel postponed the annexation plan at that time.