Arab Analyst:

Israeli-Arab Sheikhdoms Exchanges Prelude to Deal of Century

Rasa - Abdel Bari Atwan, the editor-in-chief of Rai al-Youm newspaper, voiced regret over the recent moves by the Persian Gulf Arab states in normalizing ties with Israel, describing them as a prelude to the US-plotted deal of century.

News ID: 441258

Date: 29 October 2018 - 10:38

RNA - "Three painful blows have been hit on the Arab countries' dignity in the past three days. First, by the Israeli delegation's participation in Qatar's sports games, second, by another Israeli sport delegation's visit to the UAE, headed by the Israeli sports minister who is a racist, and third, by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trip to Oman and his meeting with Omani King Sultan Qaboos," Atwan wrote on Sunday.

He added that this coordinated campaign underway with the US pressures is not related to peace between the Palestinians and Israel, but it is a move to start peace between Israel and the Arab states and a prelude to impose the deal of century.

Atwan believes that the deal of century means using the unstable situation of the Arab states to degrade the Palestinian issue and recognize Israel as a friendly country in the Middle-East.

The so-called deal of century, a backchannel plan to allegedly reach a peace settlement between Israel and the Palestinians, was proposed by the US administration late last year. Although the plan has not been released, leaks signal it will consist of the same tried and failed ideas.

Palestinians believe that the deal suggests building their own Jerusalem al-Quds from areas surrounding the existing city and forget about the historic place. They also believe that the US-drafted plan calls for keeping borders and security under Israeli control, while it keeps Israeli settlements’ final borders to be discussed in later negotiations.

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