Netanyahu Aims for More Arab Peace Agreements After Conflict

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed a desire to make more peace agreements with Arab countries following the cessation of hostilities with Hamas and Hezbollah. In a speech to the Israeli parliament on Monday, Netanyahu outlined his vision for the future after the cessation of conflicts within Israel's borders. He emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the region, stating his intention to build upon the foundations laid by the Abraham Accords.

The Abraham Accords, brokered by the United States in 2020, led to the normalization of relations between Israel and four Arab countries: the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. These agreements marked a significant change in the diplomatic landscape of the Middle East.

Speaking in the Knesset, Netanyahu highlighted the importance of moving beyond current conflicts to an era where peace could extend to more countries in the region. He noted, "On the day after Hamas no longer controls Gaza and Hezbollah does not sit on our northern border, we are currently working on plans to stabilize these two fronts. However, the day after also contains something extremely important."

Netanyahu also stated, "I aim to continue the historic process of signing the Abraham Accords, which I led a few years ago, and to achieve peace with more Arab countries." He mentioned that efforts to include additional countries in the peace framework are ongoing, with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia. However, Saudi Arabia continues to maintain that it will not recognize Israel until a Palestinian state is established.

Netanyahu's remarks come at a time when Israel is actively conducting military operations against Iran-backed entities such as Hamas and Hezbollah. Highlighting the common interests between Israel and other countries in the region, Netanyahu remarked, "These countries and others clearly see the blows we have dealt to those attacking us, the Iranian axis of evil. They too long for a stable, secure, and prosperous Middle East like we do."

The speech was part of a commemorative event held in the Knesset for the victims of Hamas and those who lost their lives in the "Iron Swords" conflict on October 7, 2023. The Prime Minister's words reflect a broader strategic goal of expanding the circle of peace and normalizing relations with more countries in the Arab world.