Abraham Accords:
A landmark series of agreements to normalise relations between Israel and several Arab nations, the Abraham Accords continue to reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, albeit amidst enduring challenges.
Progress Made
A recent Congressional Report (H. Rept. 119-612, 2026) details sustained, if uneven, progress in the implementation of the Abraham Accords since their initial signing in 2020. Trade between Israel and the UAE and Bahrain has significantly increased, exceeding $3.5 billion in 2025, according to the report. Tourism has also risen sharply; over 700,000 Israelis visited the UAE in 2025, and reciprocal travel from Arab nations to Israel is growing, though at a slower pace.
The report highlights deepened security cooperation, particularly in areas of intelligence sharing and joint military exercises, focused primarily on countering shared threats like drone technology and maritime security. Morocco and Israel have established robust security ties, with a focus on defense technology. Crucially, the report notes expansion of collaboration beyond government level; business forums, academic exchanges, and cultural initiatives are fostering people-to-people connections. New direct flights and logistical routes are becoming commonplace, improving connectivity and reducing reliance on traditional transit hubs. Specifically, the report acknowledges advances in agricultural technology transfer from Israel to the UAE, addressing food security concerns.
Challenges
Despite this progress, the report makes clear that significant hurdles remain. Public opinion in some Arab nations remains resistant to full normalisation, hindering broader acceptance of the agreements. The report points to continued, though diminished, protests in Jordan and occasional criticism from within Bahrain regarding the speed and extent of normalisation.
The unresolved Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to cast a shadow. The report acknowledges that the Accords, while not directly dependent on a peace deal, have been criticised by Palestinian authorities and contribute to a sense of regional marginalisation. The report details how the lack of substantive progress on the Palestinian issue continues to be a point of contention and fuel for regional resentment.
Furthermore, bureaucratic obstacles and differing legal frameworks continue to impede full economic integration. Harmonising standards and regulations for trade and investment remains a complex and time-consuming process. The report noted specific delays in implementing agreements regarding visa-free travel and mutual recognition of professional qualifications.
Israel-Iran Dimension
The Congressional Report underscores that the Abraham Accords are deeply entwined with the evolving dynamics between Israel and Iran. The report explicitly states the belief of many regional actors that the Accords were, in part, driven by shared concerns over Iran’s regional ambitions and nuclear programme. Increased security cooperation amongst the Accord signatories is presented as a direct response to perceived threats emanating from Iran and its proxies.
Specifically, the report highlights joint efforts to monitor and counter Iranian activities in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, including the disruption of arms smuggling routes. This has led to heightened tensions, with Iran accusing the Accords countries of being complicit in Israeli aggression. The report observes that the expansion of the Accords—particularly any potential inclusion of Saudi Arabia—is heavily influenced by the broader negotiations concerning Iran’s nuclear status and regional behaviour. The report posits that renewed Iranian assertiveness accelerates interest in further normalisation among other Arab states.
Path Forward
The report suggests a pragmatic path forward, focusing on incremental progress and building on existing frameworks. Consolidating economic ties through continued investment and trade remains a priority. Deeper security cooperation, with expanding participation from other regional actors, is also deemed crucial. However, the report stresses the importance of addressing concerns regarding inclusivity and ensuring that the benefits of normalisation are shared more broadly, including support for Palestinian economic development.
Looking ahead, the report suggests that strengthening regional dialogue platforms, fostering people-to-people exchanges, and proactively addressing public perceptions are vital to solidifying the Accords’ gains. The successful integration of Saudi Arabia into the Accords framework remains a significant, though uncertain, prospect. Optimistically, the report believes further expansion is possible, but dependent on managing regional tensions, particularly those linked to Iran.
Source Attribution
This report is based on information contained within House Report 119-612, published by the United States House of Representatives in 2026, and accessible at: [https://api.congress.gov/v3/committee-report/119/HRPT/612?format=json](https://api.congress.gov/v3/committee-report/119/HRPT/612?format=json). All data and assessments presented reflect the findings and analysis presented in the Congressional Report.