The United Arab Emirates has warned Israel that annexing the West Bank would mark a breaking point for the Abraham Accords, deepening Arab frustration with Israel’s settlement drive.
In a sharp statement, Emirati envoy Lana Nusseibeh said annexation “would constitute a red line” and betray the vision of peace that guided normalization in 2020. She urged Israel to abandon settlement plans and resist extremist agendas.
The warning comes as Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich pushes for new settlements to fragment the West Bank, a move Palestinians and rights groups say would end hopes for statehood. Maps for potential annexation are reportedly being drawn up, though it remains unclear if Prime Minister Netanyahu backs the plan.
At the same time, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. Both leaders stressed the urgency of a two-state solution, underscoring Arab unity on the issue.
The Gaza war, now in its second year, has killed more than 62,000 Palestinians and devastated the enclave. The violence has eroded international goodwill for Israel and complicated U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to add Saudi Arabia to the normalization framework.
With regional leaders drawing firm red lines, analysts warn that Israel risks losing the biggest diplomatic gains of the Abraham Accords if it proceeds with annexation.