The Impact of Emirati-Israeli Relations on the Palestinian Cause

Abstract

This study examines the impact of Emirati-Israeli relations on the Palestinian cause by employing historical, descriptive-analytical, and comparative methodologies, It is grounded in the hypothesis that this normalization paves the way for Israel to penetrate the Arab region and normalize its regional standing. The impact of these relations is twofold. First, direct effects are manifested politically and economically through the deepening of the internal Palestinian rift between Fatah and Hamas, the exacerbation of organizational disputes within Fatah, and the escalation of settlement expansion alongside increased restrictions on Palestinians within Israel—despite Emirati arguments framing the accord as a measure to halt annexation. Economically, the agreement contributed to lifting the boycott, opening markets to Israeli products, and enhancing commercial and tourism partnerships, coinciding with a reduction and cut off of financial support to the Palestinian Authority, which negatively affected national income and elevated unemployment rates.

​Second, long-term effects aim to dilute the Arab-Israeli conflict, transforming it from an existential struggle rooted in land and identity into a manageable political dispute. This process empties the Arab Peace Initiative of its core substance and integrates Israel as a standard actor within the "New Middle East" project. Furthermore, this strategic shift seeks to liquidate the Palestinian cause by undermining the Right of Return, compromising refugee status, proposing resettlement scenarios, weakening Arab political solidarity, and reshaping public consciousness. The research concludes that Emirati-Israeli normalization has ultimately consolidated Israel’s political and economic gains at the expense of weakening the Palestinian position, entrenching the apartheid system, and reducing the aspirations of the Palestinian people to mere limited self-rule.