The aim has been to build on their predecessor’s crowning achievement, the Abraham Accords, by deepening relations with the countries involved – the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco – but also to improve relations with the other Arab countries with which Israel has peace – Egypt and Jordan.
Most of those countries were on an overall positive trajectory with Israel before this government entered office, with the first three basking in the glory of the Abraham Accords, and Egypt and Israel increasing cooperation on natural gas.
Jordan, however, was more of a challenge, which the new government was eager to face head-on, with the palace of King Abdullah II turning into a must-visit spot for Bennett, Lapid and Defense Minister Benny Gantz. Israel sold more water to Jordan, and Jerusalem and Amman advanced agreements in the areas of agriculture and energy.
Another opportunity in the region presented itself in recent months, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan openly seeking rapprochement with Israel and making a series of warm calls to President Isaac Herzog, leading to an official state visit in Ankara. READ MORE
