Thread: Support for Arab #normalization with #Israel touts ways in which it will enhance regional peace & security and facilitate breakthroughs in #Palestinian-Israeli peace. The reality & the track record thus far point in the other direction. Here is why: 1/7 @WashInstitute

Only 3 out of 4 documents re normalization (by UAE, Bahrain, Morocco & Sudan) refer 2 establish'g diplomatic relations w/Israel. Sudan’s declaration is aspirational & only refers to interfaith relations and dialogue w/o reference to opening diplomatic relations w/Israel. 2/7

3 other agreements w/Israel refer 2 reciprocal respect for sovereignty w/o referring to where Israel’s territory is, leaving open potential for blurring distinctions betw Israel & occupied territories & complicates the possibility for the emergence of a Palestinian state. 3/7

Bilateral agreements betw Israel & the UAE involve trade w/ settlements, investments in tech & tourism in occupied E. Jerusalem that will cause the eviction of Palestinian businesses, & establishing Abraham Fund that will upgrade checkpoints restrict'g Palestinians movement. 4/7

2 of 4 normalization “deals” involve sale of advanced weapons to Arab countries engaged in conflicts & with problematic track records on human rights. More weapons dumps in a region where over 65% of US weapons transfers end up is not promoting regional security. 5/7

Because US has guaranteed Israel’s military superiority in the region, US weapons sales to the normalizing Arab government means fueling a weapons race which is counter to the Biden administration policy goals for the region. 6/7

NONE of normalization “deals” make permanently halting Israeli de jure or de facto annexation of Palestinian land a condition precedent for the agreements or require such for continued diplomatic relations. Thus, Palestinian rights will continue to be encroached upon. 7/7