Abraham Accords Need Constant US Push, Senator Lankford Says

Six years after their signing, the Abraham Accords require "continuous push" from the U.S. Congress and the White House to advance, according to U.S. Senator James Lankford. Speaking to i24NEWS, Lankford, co-chair of the Abraham Accords Caucus in the Senate, reflected on the agreements that normalized relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan, and most recently Kazakhstan.

Lankford stated that the accords have proven more resilient than critics predicted, even in the wake of the October 7th attacks. He noted that economic, humanitarian, and technological cooperation among the signatory nations has "made a difference" over the past six years, countering early skepticism about their longevity. He also anticipated further expansion beyond economic ties, citing recent meetings between U.S. Central Command and defense chiefs from Israel and Gulf allies as evidence of growing military partnerships.

Addressing the delayed expansion of the accords, particularly regarding Saudi Arabia, Lankford identified the U.S. failure to clearly define benefits for new member states as a major obstacle. "America still owes the rest of the region an answer to that question," he asserted. He attributed the accords' survival through the Israel-Hamas war to pre-existing relationships and personal connections among individuals in the signatory countries, which fostered a desire to maintain ties despite significant challenges.

Lankford also acknowledged a shift in Israel's standing within Congress, noting a rise in opposition among Democrats, which he described as "very, very frustrating." He indicated that several regional governments are awaiting the outcome of Israeli elections before committing to further negotiations, though he stressed that the U.S.-Israel relationship is not contingent on specific election results.

The senator argued that the war with Iran has paradoxically strengthened U.S. ties with Gulf allies like Bahrain and the UAE by demonstrating American commitment. He emphasized that the accords will "always" need ongoing political attention from Washington, regardless of future administrations, warning that without sustained pressure, their expansion risks becoming a low priority among many others.