Avi Berkowitz: Annexation is not off the table, just pushed off for now

On the proposed sale of F-35s as part of the Israel-UAE deal, Berkowitz said that "It is not a component of the deal – a peace deal. Everyone knows the Emiratis have had this request for many years."

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
U.S. Middle East envoy Avi Berkowitz listens during a press briefing on the agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates at White House in Washington, U.S., August 13, 2020 (photo credit: REUTERS/KEVIN LAMARQUE)
U.S. Middle East envoy Avi Berkowitz listens during a press briefing on the agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates at White House in Washington, U.S., August 13, 2020
(photo credit: REUTERS/KEVIN LAMARQUE)
US Special Representative for International Negotiations Avi Berkowitz said on Thursday morning that "annexation is not off the table, just pushed off for now" with regard to the recent peace deals signed between Israel, the UAE and Bahrain.
Speaking on Army Radio, Berkowitz said "there was a significant opportunity that came before us: the opportunity to normalize relations between Israel and UAE. And we were having conversations with other countries at that time. It's important for us to say, 'Look, [annexation] is something that can be done at a later period of time.' It is not something we disagree with." He said that it is part of the president's vision and something "we stand behind."
Speaking on the subject of the proposed sale of F-35 fighter planes to the UAE as part of the deal, Berkowitz responded: "I have seen a lot of discussion about this and always find it to be very interesting. It is not a component of the deal. Everyone knows the Emiratis have had this request for many years.
"Of course, peace does change the calculus and therefore makes it more possible and it is something we are considering doing. It has always been for me a logical equation: It can happen if it does not put Israel's security in jeopardy in any way.
This is a peace deal. "
He claimed that both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz have said that this would not put Israel's Qualitative Military Edge (QME) at risk.
When asked about potential future normalization agreements between Israel and other countries, Berkowitz said that there are ongoing "detailed conversations with countries" who are "willing and excited" to normalize relations with Israel now that the "Palestinian veto [on normalization with Israel] is gone."
Berkowitz said that the Trump administration wants to keep up the momentum when it comes to normalization with Arab countries. He said that he received a call from the Bahrainis saying they wanted to be next to normalize ties with Israel immediately following the deal with the UAE.
The envoy did not comment on what countries may be having these conversations about normalization, saying that he does not want to "get ahead of negotiations."
When asked if he was surprised that many American Jews will not be voting for US President Donald Trump, Berkowitz said that it is still hard to say with certainty how many American Jews will vote and that those who care about Israel will vote for Trump. When asked if Trump understands why Netanyahu cannot support him unequivocally, Berkowitz said that Trump and Netanyahu "have a strong relationship and have been through a lot."

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When asked how a nice "young Jewish guy" ended up negotiating peace deals between princes and kings in the Middle East, Berkowitz responded in Hebrew saying it was with "lots of luck and help from God."


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