The Times of Israel Daily Briefing Day 707 - Lazar Berman: After five years, are the Abraham Accords a success?
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Sep 12, 2025 Lazar Berman, Diplomatic correspondent for The Times of Israel, delves into the complexities of the Abraham Accords as they approach their five-year mark. He discusses why the UAE and Bahrain were pivotal in the agreements and the implications of recent violence on Arab-Israeli relations. Berman also highlights the surge in Israeli tourism to Dubai and the limited reciprocal visits, while examining the UAE's delicate balancing act after the Gaza War. Through all this, he navigates the unpredictable terrain of Middle Eastern diplomacy.
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Accords Were A Regional Turning Point
- The Abraham Accords marked a major, positive regional shift when signed at the White House in 2020.
- The event gathered leaders and signaled a new pragmatic alignment in the Middle East.
Why The UAE Led The Way
- The UAE led because it positioned itself as a business-friendly, pro-West hub in the region.
- Close quiet ties with Israel made public normalization a natural next step for Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Bahrain's Move Reflected Gulf Security
- Bahrain joined next, influenced heavily by Saudi strategic calculations and fear of Iranian influence.
- Its move tested regional reactions and reflected Gulf security priorities over ideology.
