Israel’s arms sales have seen a significant decline to countries that signed the Abraham Accords amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While Israel celebrated a new record in arms sales in 2023, reaching $13 billion, the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco, which normalized relations with Israel in 2020, only accounted for 3% of these sales, down from 24% in 2022.
The decrease in arms purchases from these countries coincides with Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which have sparked anti-Israel sentiments within these signatory states. Protests in Morocco and Bahrain have called for the revocation of the normalization deal with Israel and the cutting of all ties. Bahraini authorities have reportedly arrested many participants in pro-Palestine protests, while Morocco has allowed anti-Israel demonstrations to take place.
Despite the decline in arms sales to these countries, it is uncertain whether they are moving towards cutting off military cooperation with Israel based on the current data. Top diplomats from the UAE and Morocco have defended their normalization with Israel as a means to negotiate more aid for the Palestinian people in Gaza.
Additionally, reports suggest that Morocco may host an Israeli drone production site, although this information has not been officially confirmed. The Israeli Ministry of Defence, in its commentary on the figures, chose to highlight the increase in contracts concluded in 2023, rather than focusing on the decline in orders from Middle Eastern and North African clients.
While the arms sales decline to Abraham Accord states may indicate a shift in relations, it is essential to monitor how these countries navigate their diplomatic ties with Israel in the future. The ongoing conflict in Gaza continues to impact regional dynamics and could lead to further changes in military and diplomatic relationships.
