On September 15, 2020: Israel, UAE, and Bahrain Sign Historic Normalization Agreement in Washington, D.C.

In September 2020, the signing of the Bahrain–Israel normalization agreement took place in Washington, D.C., marking a historic diplomatic shift in the Middle East. Known as part of the Abraham Accords, the deal was brokered by the United States under President Donald Trump and aimed at establishing formal diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations between Israel, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

See also: Today in history: On September 15, 1963 - Ahmed Ben Bella is elected the first president of Algeria.

The agreements represented the first time in decades that Arab nations had openly normalized ties with Israel, breaking with the long-standing Arab consensus that such relations would only follow a resolution of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. By signing the accords, the UAE and Bahrain recognized Israel’s sovereignty, opened paths for embassies, and agreed to strengthen trade, tourism, and security cooperation.

The accords were hailed by some as a breakthrough for peace and stability in the region, fostering collaboration in technology, investment, and defense, while offering Israel greater acceptance among its neighbors. However, the agreements also stirred controversy. Palestinians condemned the move, seeing it as a betrayal of their cause and a weakening of Arab solidarity that had historically supported their demands for an independent state. 

Critics argued that the accords prioritized geopolitical interests, such as countering Iran’s influence and boosting U.S. regional alliances, over addressing core conflicts. Nevertheless, the Bahrain–Israel normalization agreement, alongside the UAE’s participation, reshaped the diplomatic landscape of the Middle East, setting the stage for further normalization deals with other Arab nations.

See also: Today in history: On September 14, 1994 – The rest of the Major League Baseball season is canceled because of a strike.