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Israeli-Arab Relations Have Taken a Step Forward

(Israel Hayom) Prof. Eyal Zisser - It appears that public opinion in Egypt - certainly among the elites who control the country - doesn't oppose bolstering security, economic and even diplomatic ties with Israel if it serves the Egyptian interest. Egypt isn't alone. Gulf States are following in its footsteps and have perhaps even led the way in certain areas, and soon several countries in North Africa will join the parade. Truth be told, these aren't affectionate relationships or even fully normalized ties with the Israeli government. But it does seem that Israeli-Arab relations have taken a real step forward. If in the past, Arab willingness to maintain peaceful relations with Israel was restricted to recognizing the need to end the conflict and begrudgingly come to terms with its existence, we are now transitioning into a phase of Arab acknowledgment of the inherent benefits to improving relations with Israel, for both sides. Moreover, if in the past the Arabs only saw Israel as a way station to Washington, now Israel itself is the destination. Israel has become a legitimate regional player with clout and ability to influence. We can assume this trend will intensify in light of Washington's desire to disengage from the region and Iran's menacing shadow. The writer is a lecturer in the Middle East History Department at Tel Aviv University.
2019-02-05 00:00:00
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