Israel Hosts US and Arab Allies in Negev

MAR 28 2022·Updated DEC 20 2022

Story

Image credit: AP Photos [via Al Jazeera]

The Facts

Israel hosted US Sec. of State Antony Blinken alongside foreign ministers from Bahrain, Morocco, and the UAE – countries that signed the Abraham Accords normalizing relations with Israel in 2020 – in addition to Egypt on Mon.
CBS News
Held at a resort in Israel's southern Negev Desert, the meeting was described as historic and sought to strengthen ties between the countries. Jordan, who signed an agreement normalizing relations with Israel in 1994, was notably absent.
CBS News
Jordan's King Abdullah II reportedly declined to attend and instead visited the West Bank in solidarity with Palestinians.
CBS News
Blinken traveled to the West Bank city of Ramallah on Sun. prior to attending the summit. Palestinian Pres. Mahmoud Abbas criticized the US and said the current events in Ukraine showed the West's "double standards" when it came to alleged violations of international law.
Middle East Eye
The Israel-Palestine issue was reportedly discussed at the Negev summit, alongside a shooting claimed by IS in the Israeli city of Hadera in which two police officers were killed.
CBS News
Blinken also sought to reassure Israeli and Arab representatives as the US aims to revive an international nuclear accord with Iran that diplomats have said could be agreed upon imminently.
Middle East Eye

Sources Split

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The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

The summit, a product of US diplomacy, highlights a historic new chapter in the region's relations. Issues of economic cooperation and security – including the Palestinian question – will be tackled collectively.

Axios

Pro-Palestine narrative

The meeting, which further normalizes relations with Israel as it ethnically cleanses Palestinians, is only a demonstration of how Arab leaders are willing to sell out the Palestinians for their own economic benefit.

Middle East Eye