UAE Warns Israel on West Bank Settlements: “Red Line” Threatens Abraham Accords

UAE Warns Israel: West Bank Settlement Plans Cross a “Red Line,” Abraham Accords at Risk

On 3 September 2025, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) issued a strong warning to Israel, declaring that settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank represents a clear “red line.” The statement came in response to Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who recently called for annexing up to 82% of the West Bank into Israel.

What Are Israeli Settlements?

Israeli settlements are housing communities built by Israel in occupied Palestinian territories, mainly the West Bank and East Jerusalem. These areas are internationally recognized as part of a future Palestinian state. However, by expanding settlements, Israel deepens its control, divides Palestinian lands, and undermines the possibility of a two-state solution. Most countries and international law consider these settlements illegal.

The Abraham Accords

Signed in 2020, the Abraham Accords were landmark agreements aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab states, including the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. The accords were celebrated as a step toward peace, with the expectation that Palestinian rights and the two-state solution would remain central.

For the UAE, normalization was never meant to ignore the Palestinian cause. Instead, Abu Dhabi emphasized that peace and stability in the region depend on a just settlement for Palestinians.

UAE’s Position

On Wednesday, UAE’s Assistant Minister for Political Affairs Lana Nusseibeh stated that Israel’s settlement plans “violate the spirit of the Abraham Accords.” She stressed that the UAE cannot accept policies that confiscate Palestinian land and make peace unachievable.

Nusseibeh noted that the expansion of settlements not only harms Palestinians but also destabilizes the wider region. She underlined that peace requires Israel to respect international law and honor its previous commitments.

Regional Reactions

The issue has also drawn attention from Saudi Arabia, which, alongside the UAE, reaffirmed that a two-state solution is the only viable path to long-term peace. In a recent meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed discussed rising tensions and urged Israel to halt unilateral actions.

Global Concerns

International observers warn that Israel’s current approach could trigger deeper conflict and unravel years of diplomatic progress. Analysts highlight that if settlement expansion continues, it may erode Israel’s relations not only with Arab partners but also with global powers advocating for peace.

Conclusion

The UAE’s warning sends a powerful signal: if Israel proceeds with settlement expansion, it risks not only Palestinian rights but also the future of the Abraham Accords themselves. What was once hailed as a “new Middle East” now faces uncertainty, as peace depends on whether Israel chooses diplomacy or deepens division.