“A-Share to the Zionist Enemy”: Calls for Expansion of Abraham Accords Amid Reactions in Syria
Background Context
As discussions on expanding the Abraham Accords gain traction in the United States following the conclusion of military operations in Iran, the recent placement of a billboard in Israel featuring Syrian President Ahmad A-Share alongside former President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sparked significant outrage across Arab social media platforms. In Syria, some have labeled this move as “normalization with the enemy.”
The Billboard Campaign
The Israel-based “Coalition for Regional Security,” composed of over 100 prominent Israeli figures, launched a billboard campaign aimed at leveraging the outcome of the Iran campaign to promote a “new regional order.” The billboards display the message “A New Chance for a New Middle East,” featuring images of various Arab leaders, including:
- King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain
- King Mohammed VI of Morocco
- Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said of Oman
- President Mohammed bin Zayed of the UAE
- Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia
- President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt
- King Abdullah of Jordan
- President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon
- President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority
- President Ahmad A-Share of Syria, positistartd prominently alongside Trump and Netanyahu.
This campaign has drawn attention across the Arab region, particularly due to A-Share’s image being associated with what many view as a normalization effort at a time when the future of Israeli-Syrian relations remains uncertain.
Reactions in Syria and Arab media
In response, various Syrian Telegram channels condemned the billboard, highlighting A-Share’s presence “with the Zionist enemy” as part of a campaign for normalization. The pro-Iranian Iraqi militia-affiliated agency “Sabrin” referred to A-Share derogatorily as a “terrorist,” emphasizing a perceived betrayal alongside Abbas in this normalization narrative.
Further backlash was noted in Lebanese media, where the billboard was linked to comments made by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Whitecov, who hinted at the likelihood of “major announcements” regarding additional countries joining the Abraham Accords, spurred by Israel’s accomplishments against Iran.
The Abraham Accords’ Background
The Abraham Accords, brokered by the U.S. in September 2020, saw Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, and later Morocco and Sudan, formalizing agreements to enhance diplomatic relations and economic cooperation. Amid these developments, negotiations for normalization with Saudi Arabia had also been underway but stalled following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which ignited broader regional conflict.
Recently, Trump met with A-Share and encouraged Syria to join the Abraham Accords, indicating a potential shift in diplomatic dynamics.
Coalition Statements and Future Outlook
Leah Polak-David, co-founder of the Coalition for Regional Security, stated, “This is our third billboard initiative aimed primarily at the Israeli public, emphasizing the need to translate Israel’s military achievements in the region into a bold political strategy that unites moderate forces through the Abraham Accords.” She underscored recent dramatic changes in Lebanon and Syria and expressed hope for a peaceful restructuring in Gaza.
Polak-David advocated for Israel to express readiness for a gradual disengagement from Palestinians, emphasizing that over 70% of the Israeli public supports such a regional approach based on internal surveys. “It’s vital for the Arab world to understand that the Israeli population seeks a new Middle East where moderate entities collaborate against extremism,” she added.
Conclusion
As the debate over normalization and expanded diplomatic relations continues, both skepticism and cautious optimism persist within the region. Polak-David noted, “We have received official confirmation from Israeli officials regarding ongoing discussions. There is potential for change in Syria, and we should strive to bring them into the Abraham Accords.”
The aim of the billboard campaign is not only to promote normalization but also to stimulate dialogue regarding regional relations and the changing dynamics amid emerging threats. As these discussions unfold, the responses from Arab nations underscore the complex layers of perception regarding Israel’s intentions and the broader implications for peace in the region