Netanyahu’s remarks come as Washington aims to unite Arab nations around long-term strategies for Gaza Strip governance after the war and additional normalisation agreements with Israel in the wake of the 2020 Abraham Accords.
Following a year of war in Gaza and Lebanon that has heightened Arab ire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Monday that he seeks peace with Arab nations.
He made his remarks as Washington aims to unite Arab nations around long-term strategies for Gaza Strip governance after the war and additional normalisation agreements with Israel in the wake of the 2020 Abraham Accords.
Speaking to lawmakers as Israel’s parliament began its winter session, Netanyahu stated, “I aspire to continue the process I went through a few years ago, with the signing of the historic Abraham Accords, in order to achieve peace with other Arab countries.”
Formal relations between Israel and the Gulf nations of Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Morocco were established through the Abraham Accords, which were mediated by the United States.
Netanyahu stated on Monday, “I emphasise peace for peace, peace out of strength with important countries in the Middle East.”
Two days after Israel bombed military targets in Iran in response to an Iranian missile barrage on Israel, he continued, “These countries and other countries see very well the blows we inflict on those who attack us, the Iranian axis of evil.”
“They are impressed by our determination and courage. They share our desire for a prosperous, safe, and stable Middle East.
The Abraham Accords were made during the administration of Donald Trump, who is currently running for president again.
The primary supporter of Israel, the United States, has long aimed to mediate a future deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel that would include US security assurances for the kingdom.
Washington has hoped to gain a strong Arab ally, the protector of Islam’s two holiest sites, and provide an incentive to Netanyahu to halt the war.
However, Riyadh has made any such agreement contingent on Israel’s rejection of the idea of an independent Palestinian state.
Saudi Arabia has never recognised Israel and did not participate in the 2020 agreements.
However, prior to Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, which led to the bloodiest war in Gaza’s history, an agreement had appeared closer last year.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken attempted to advance normalisation with Israel with Saudi Arabia last week.
Days before the US election, the top US diplomat on a Middle East tour flew straight from Tel Avivi, Israel, to Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.
Just before he left Israel, Blinken stated, “Despite everything that has happened, there is still an incredible opportunity in this region to move in a totally different direction.”
“That would be directly related to Saudi Arabia, and it might involve normalising relations with Israel.”