Diplomatic recognition of Israel, is a clear statement in support of Israel’s right to exist, and its right to pursue policies to protect itself, and, by extension, the entire region.
By MOSHE DANNAbu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed at the Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Mecca on May 30, 2019; Benjamin Netanyahu(photo credit: HADAS PARUSH/FLASH90/BANDAR ALGALOUD/SAUDI ROYAL COURT/REUTERS)
Seen through the lens of the Sunni-Shi’ite conflict, and especially the threat (to Sunni Arabs) of Iran and its proxy, Hezbollah, the move by moderate Sunni Arab states to reconcile with Israel is inevitable and wise. It is motivated by fear of Iran. In this context, therefore, hatred toward Israel and support for the Palestinian cause (eliminating Israel) are relatively minor concerns. The reason for recognizing and establishing full diplomatic relations with Israel is existential, not emotional – and it has global consequences.Former US president Barack Obama’s deal with Iran, including sending planeloads of cash to Iran, and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s promise to renew this policy of appeasement empowers Iran and directly threatens Sunni Arab states. President Donald Trump’s reelection, therefore, is essential to protect them from Iranian aggression. In addition, Russian and Chinese support for Iran is seen by Sunni Arab states as a threat to their existence.The threat of Hezbollah’s power in Lebanon and Syria, heightened by the recent explosion in Beirut, and its vast supplies of weaponry have drawn attention away from Israel’s conflict with the PLO and Hamas.The UN Security Council’s recent decision not to extend sanctions on Iran and the inability of UNIFIL to prevent, or at least contain Hezbollah’s hegemony are indications that the international community does not care about the danger to Sunni Arab states, and will empower Iran. Supporting Israel, therefore, as a bulwark against Iran and Hezbollah, makes sense.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s focus on threats from Iran and Hezbollah is a strategic imperative and it has helped Sunni Arab states understand where their vital interests lie. Support for a Palestinian state in Judea and Samaria, and a “two-state-solution,” – especially the demand for Israel to withdraw from Judea and Samaria and halt plans for extending its plans for sovereignty – therefore, is, relatively, of minor importance.This context also has implications for the struggle against Islamic terrorism and efforts to delegitimize and destroy Israel. Although preserving Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people is not a priority for Sunni Arab and Muslim countries, it is far better than being wiped out by Iran. Protecting one’s existence is more important than ideology and the struggle against Israel.Diplomatic recognition of Israel, therefore, is a clear statement in support of Israel’s right to exist, and its right to pursue policies to protect itself, and, by extension, the entire region. Thanks to the UAE’s bold and courageous initiative, backed by Trump, Netanyahu and most world leaders, we are on a more realistic and creative path.The writer is a PhD historian and journalist in Israel.
