Expand and strengthen the Abraham Accords and bring in Saudi Arabia

Oren Hellman, CEO of the Israel-Gulf States Chamber of Commerce and Innovation, calls for expanding the Abraham Accords in response to the attempted attack on the Flydubai flight. He argues that the answer to terrorism is strengthening ties with the UAE and Bahrain, opening a diplomatic process for normalization with Saudi Arabia, and realizing the vision of the IMEC economic corridor. Hellman emphasizes that Israel must take complementary steps, including avoiding provocations on the Temple Mount and combating Jewish violence in Judea and Samaria.

Oren Hellman, CEO of the Israel-Gulf States Chamber of Commerce and Innovation, argues that the response to the attempted attack on the Flydubai flight should be to expand and strengthen the Abraham Accords, not retreat from them. He calls for strengthening ties with the UAE and Bahrain, launching a diplomatic process for normalization with Saudi Arabia, and turning the IMEC economic corridor into a strategic opportunity. Hellman notes that the plane's landing in Saudi Arabia and the humane treatment of Israeli passengers illustrate the potential, but the Saudis did not allow Israeli rescue flights to enter. He emphasizes that normalization with Saudi Arabia requires Israeli compromises, including progress on the Palestinian issue, avoiding provocations on the Temple Mount, and combating Jewish violence in Judea and Samaria. Hellman points a finger at ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, noting that offensive statements harm Israel's strategic interest. He calls on the next government to establish a senior negotiation team with Saudi Arabia and make expanding the Abraham Accords a top national priority.