Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Prime Minister, has reportedly stepped back from plans to annex parts of the West Bank after facing intense pressure from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other Arab nations. Officials say the decision comes as Israel seeks to avoid diplomatic fallout and maintain fragile regional relationships.
According to sources cited by media outlets, Netanyahu has removed West Bank annexation from the government’s agenda to prevent losing recognition from Abu Dhabi. The move is seen as a strategic retreat to protect Israel’s broader diplomatic goals in the Middle East.
Government insiders revealed that Netanyahu made the decision just hours before a Cabinet meeting last Thursday. The timing underscores the urgency and sensitivity surrounding Israel’s West Bank plans, which had sparked widespread concern in the Arab world.
Following the UAE’s warnings, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also reportedly expressed displeasure with Israel’s annexation ambitions. Aligning with Abu Dhabi’s stance, the Crown Prince signaled that continued annexation could jeopardize Israel’s normalization agreements with Arab nations.
The controversy began when Israel’s Finance Minister suggested that Israel could take control of up to 82 percent of the West Bank. The minister’s remarks angered Arab countries, as the plan threatened the possibility of establishing a sovereign Palestinian state.
The UAE reacted strongly, stating that annexing the West Bank would constitute a “final breach” of international norms and violate the principles of the Abraham Accords. Signed in 2020 with U.S. mediation, the accords established diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.
A key clause in the Abraham Accords required Netanyahu to suspend any immediate plans for annexing portions of the West Bank. While the Israeli leader initially postponed these plans, they remained a topic of discussion within his administration. The recent threats from the UAE appear to have prompted a more definitive pause.
Analysts suggest that if the UAE were to withdraw from the Abraham Accords, it could escalate tensions between Netanyahu and former U.S. President Donald Trump, who played a pivotal role in brokering the agreements. The accords have long been considered a cornerstone of Israel’s diplomatic strategy in the region.
This development raises questions about Israel’s approach to ongoing conflicts, including operations in Gaza. Observers note the apparent contrast between Israel’s restraint in halting West Bank annexation and its continued military actions in other areas. Arab nations have expressed frustration over what they perceive as inconsistent policies.
The UAE’s firm stance highlights its growing influence in Middle Eastern diplomacy. By threatening to reassess its ties with Israel, Abu Dhabi has sent a clear message about the limits of acceptable Israeli actions regarding Palestinian territories.
Saudi Arabia’s alignment with the UAE further underscores the regional consensus against unilateral annexation. The joint pressure reflects broader Arab concerns about maintaining stability and upholding the framework established by the Abraham Accords.
For Netanyahu, the decision to suspend annexation appears to be a calculated effort to avoid diplomatic isolation. Israel faces a delicate balancing act: asserting its territorial ambitions while preserving vital relationships with Arab partners.
Experts say the incident demonstrates how regional alliances can influence Israeli policy decisions. The combination of diplomatic pressure and strategic calculations has temporarily halted plans that could have reshaped the West Bank and provoked broader conflict.
Despite this setback, Israel’s leadership may continue to explore alternative approaches to the West Bank issue. However, any move will likely be measured, considering the strong reactions from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab states.
In summary, Netanyahu’s suspension of West Bank annexation plans signals a significant shift in Israel’s Middle East strategy. Facing strong opposition from key Arab nations, Israel is prioritizing diplomatic stability over territorial expansion, at least for now. The move also reflects the complex interplay between regional politics, international agreements, and ongoing tensions in Gaza and the West Bank.
