President Trump announced a “suprise” deal, with Kushner and Trump taking credit, which normalizes diplomatic relations between the UAE and Israel. The practical implications are not clear. As part of the deal, Netanyahu has apparently agreed to “suspend” annexations of the West Bank.

The Palestinians were not consulted, and the Palestinian Authoriy and all their various factions have rejected the deal. They know from past experiemce that annexations will resume when the dust settles.

What are the motivations for the accord? (1) The deal may benefit Trump (as if Americans could care what happens in the Middle East) and Netanyahu in upcoming elections. (2) The Gulf Arab States want to unite with Israel against Iran. Saudi Arabia has been tight with Israel for some time. (3) Despite their vocal support for the fate of the Palestinians, the Gulf States have no stake in their plight. Don’t forget that Kuwait kicked out their Palestinian immigrants after the Gulf war.

Whatever the result of the accord, be assured it has no implications that favor Palestine, let alone a “Two-State Solution.