Quick Read
- The UAE warned Israel that annexing parts of the West Bank would cross a ‘red line.’
- Such a move could jeopardize the 2020 Abraham Accords and regional stability.
- Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich proposed annexing up to 82% of the West Bank.
- The UAE’s warning highlights growing tensions and risks to Middle Eastern diplomacy.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued a stern warning to Israel over its proposed annexation plans for parts of the occupied West Bank, labeling the move as a ‘red line’ that could jeopardize the landmark Abraham Accords and destabilize the region. The warning was made public on Thursday, September 4, 2025, amidst growing international tensions and internal Israeli debates over the controversial annexation proposal.
UAE’s Warning and Its Implications
The UAE, one of the founding members of the Abraham Accords, has expressed grave concerns over Israel’s recent political developments. Emirati officials stated unequivocally that annexing any part of the West Bank would severely undermine the ‘vision and spirit’ of the accords. The Abraham Accords, brokered by the United States in 2020, marked a historic normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco.
According to The Irish Times, Emirati diplomats directly communicated with Israeli officials and senior members of the Trump administration, warning that annexation could dismantle the fragile agreements. ‘This would destroy the Abraham Accords,’ an Emirati official reportedly said, urging the international community to intervene. The UAE’s position underscores the delicate balance of regional diplomacy and the potential fallout from unilateral Israeli actions.
Smotrich’s Controversial Proposal
The latest tensions stem from comments made by Israel’s far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, who proposed annexing up to 82% of the West Bank. On Wednesday, September 3, Smotrich called for immediate action, claiming that Israel’s sovereignty over these territories is non-negotiable. His remarks have sparked outrage both domestically and internationally, with critics labeling the plan as a blatant violation of international law.
As reported by Haaretz, Smotrich’s proposal is not merely political rhetoric but a detailed roadmap that includes measures to accelerate settlement expansion and integrate the annexed areas into Israel’s administrative framework. The plan has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders within Israel, who warn that such actions could isolate the country diplomatically and inflame tensions with the Palestinian population.
International Reaction and Risks to Regional Stability
Global reactions to Israel’s annexation plans have been swift and critical. The UAE’s warning comes at a time when the United States and other Western nations are trying to mediate a fragile peace in the region. President Donald Trump’s administration, which played a pivotal role in brokering the Abraham Accords, has faced mounting pressure to dissuade Israel from pursuing annexation.
According to GZERO Media, the UAE’s warning also highlights broader concerns about regional stability. The annexation could lead to widespread protests in the Arab world and derail ongoing efforts to bring Saudi Arabia into the Abraham Accords. Analysts believe that the UAE, as the largest economy among the signatories, holds significant leverage in shaping the future of these agreements.
Additionally, the annexation could exacerbate tensions with Palestinians, who view the West Bank as integral to their aspirations for statehood. The move would also likely face condemnation from the European Union and the United Nations, further isolating Israel on the global stage.
The Broader Context of the Abraham Accords
The Abraham Accords were hailed as a groundbreaking achievement in Middle Eastern diplomacy, representing a shift toward normalization between Israel and the Arab world. However, the accords have always been contingent on maintaining a status quo regarding contentious issues like the West Bank. The UAE’s warning serves as a reminder that these agreements are not immune to political disruptions.
For Israel, the stakes are high. While the accords have opened new economic and diplomatic opportunities, any move to annex parts of the West Bank could unravel years of progress. The UAE’s firm stance underscores the importance of mutual respect and adherence to international norms in preserving these historic agreements.
As tensions mount, the international community watches closely to see whether Israel will heed the UAE’s warning or proceed with its controversial plans. The outcome will have far-reaching implications for the future of the Abraham Accords and the fragile balance of power in the Middle East.