Israel's Envoy Hints Kuwait May Join Abraham Accords Soon

Israel's Ambassador to the UAE, Yossi Shelley, suggested that a new country could join the Abraham Accords within the next four to six months, with Kuwait being a potential candidate. Shelley told Israel's Kan Broadcasting that efforts are underway to expand the accords, hinting at a possible surprise. He indicated that Kuwait appears to be recognizing regional shifts, stating, "Perhaps it will be the next country." He also discussed ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation with the UAE.

Regarding reports that UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before the October 7th attack, Shelley denied any knowledge of such a warning. He stated that while he was in the UAE at the time, he "does not recall any warning or any discussion about this matter" and had not heard of it in the preceding months. Shelley believes the controversy surrounding these reports has not significantly impacted Israeli-UAE relations, which he described as experiencing "dramatic upward movement" with increasing, sometimes unannounced, cooperation due to regional sensitivities.

Shelley's remarks coincide with the sixth anniversary of the UAE joining the Abraham Accords in 2020, which established formal diplomatic ties between Israel and the UAE. He characterized the relationship with Abu Dhabi as having had ups and downs but affirmed a highly positive current trajectory, calling them "true partners in a critical moment." He emphasized that the true test of relations is demonstrated during times of crisis.

The ambassador's comments about potential new signatories to the Abraham Accords come amid ongoing efforts to broaden the circle of Arab nations with formal relations with Israel, against a backdrop of rapid regional transformations.