Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Benny Gantz said he believes they will find themselves in a “two-form solution” in the future within the framework of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Speaking at the session titled “Peace Step by Step” held within the framework of the Munich Security Conference, Gantz emphasized that a possible solution can only be achieved on a platform where Israel’s security needs are met and both communities respect each other’s sovereignty.
Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Advisor to the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Abdullah Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahrain Minister of Political Issues, also attended the session.
Commenting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Al Khalifa said, “Bahrain will always be on the side of Palestine. Our strengthening of cooperation with Israel does not violate this situation. We stand by the two-state solution.” Al Khalifa noted that they believe the problem can only be resolved through dialogue.
Gargaş stated that the Abraham Consensus also contributed to peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Emphasizing that the reconciliation “is not a magic wand that will solve everything”, Gargaş stated that the document, however, “is an important strategic change that will enable good things to happen”.
“We need to tear down the walls”
Gantz underlined that the Abraham Consensus signed in 2020 contributes to peace and stability in the region. Also praising the leaders of the UAE and Bahrain, the Minister said, “Peace is achieved by brave leaders. We extend our hand to new brave leaders in the region who want to develop relations with Israel. And I am sure that new partnerships will be established in a short time.”
Gantz thanked the former US administration led by Donald Trump and former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who played a key role in signing the Abraham Covenant.
UAE: We broke down psychological barriers
In 2020, Israel signed the Abraham Consensus, mediated by former United States (US) President Trump, with the aim of restarting diplomatic relations with the UAE and Bahrain.
Gargaş, who participated in Sunday’s session digitally representing the UAE, said that with the Abraham Consensus, they “broken down the psychological barriers”. “Our region needs an agenda of tolerance,” said Gargaş.
Stating that the economy and investments can function as a tool to reach peace, Gargaş referred to Jean Monnet and Robert Schuman, who are considered the fathers of the European Union (EU). Stating that Monnet and Schuman changed the structure of Europe with their economic cooperation, Gargaş emphasized that their bilateral trade with Israel has developed since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding.
“Mossad in Bahrain”
Pointing out the existence of security and intelligence cooperation between Israel and Bahrain, Al Khalifa said, “Mossad is in Bahrain.” Noting that they are working on a 10-year peace strategy with Israel, Al Khalifa said, “The Abraham Consensus will encourage those who seek change.”
Distinction between “radical wing” and “peace wing”
Gantz said that there are two political “sides” in the Middle East. Gantz described the line consisting of Iran, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon as the “radical wing”, and the group of countries consisting of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Israel as the “peace wing”. Gantz said he hoped other countries in the region would join the “peace wing”.
Defending that Iran threatens not only Israel, but also the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Gantz also referred to Iran’s nuclear targets and said that everything should be done so that this country does not become a “nuclear threshold state”. The concept of “nuclear threshold state” means a country that has the technology and potential to produce nuclear weapons, but has not yet realized it.
Underlining that Iran’s aggression is increasing, Gantz said, “A nuclear agreement with Iran will not be the end of the road.”
Expectations from Germany
Former Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Party leader and prime minister candidate Armin Laschet also attended the session as an audience. Laschet posed a question to Gantz, asking what he expected from Germany.
In response to Laschet, Gantz underlined that Germany is an important leader and one of the first countries to support the Abraham Consensus, and said, “I hope and believe that Germany will maintain this strategic understanding.”
Referring to Nazi Germany, Gantz pointed out that the support of a country like the Holocaust in the past “from a country responsible for a horror to a peace-supporting country” is important.
“Who wins in war also loses”
Gantz also touched upon the crisis on the Russia-Ukraine border and noted that “everyone should do their best to prevent bloodshed”. Gantz gave the message, “He who wins in war also loses. In peace we are all winners”.
Burak Unveren
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