As of 2026, seven Arab countries maintain varying degrees of diplomatic, economic, or security engagement with Israel: Egypt, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, Morocco, and Mauritania.
Geographic Context
Israel’s relationships with Arab states are shaped by proximity, shared borders, and strategic interests.
You’ll find geography drives a lot of these ties. Egypt and Jordan share direct borders with Israel, so they deal with immediate security issues and peace-process realities. Meanwhile, Morocco in North Africa and the UAE and Bahrain in the Gulf show how far these relationships stretch. Most formal ties cluster around countries that either share a land border or have strong economic reasons to work together. Shared concerns—like Iran’s regional influence, water security, and economic cooperation—often push these partnerships forward.
Key Details
| Country | Diplomatic Status with Israel | Year of Recognition or Engagement | Type of Ties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt | Full diplomatic relations | 1979 | Peace treaty; embassy in Tel Aviv; security cooperation in Sinai |
| Jordan | Full diplomatic relations | 1994 | Peace treaty; shared water and security agreements; joint infrastructure projects |
| United Arab Emirates | Full diplomatic relations | 2020 | Normalization via Abraham Accords; embassy in Abu Dhabi and consulate in Dubai; direct flights and joint business ventures |
| Bahrain | Full diplomatic relations | 2020 | Part of Abraham Accords; high-level trade and cultural exchanges; joint investments in fintech and renewable energy |
| Sudan | Limited normalization | 2020 | Agreements to normalize ties; pending full diplomatic relations due to internal political instability |
| Morocco | Limited normalization | 2020 | U.S. recognition of Western Sahara sovereignty in exchange for Morocco opening liaison offices in Israel |
| Mauritania | Unofficial engagement | 1999 | No formal recognition; intermittent dialogue and limited trade through third-party channels |
Interesting Background
Egypt’s 1979 peace treaty with Israel, followed by Jordan in 1994, set the stage for later normalization efforts like the 2020 Abraham Accords.
Egypt’s historic 1979 peace treaty with Israel—hammered out after the Camp David Accords—was a real turning point. It cost President Anwar Sadat his life but brought Egypt U.S. financial aid and regional clout. Jordan followed in 1994, using shared water resources and security needs as leverage. Then came the Abraham Accords in 2020, when the UAE and Bahrain normalized relations with Israel under U.S. mediation. That shift marked a new era of pragmatic economic and security partnerships. Sudan’s normalization is still stuck in neutral due to internal conflict, while Morocco’s involvement came with a twist: U.S. recognition of its Western Sahara claim. These moves show how diplomacy, self-interest, and outside incentives shape alliances in the region.
Practical Information
Several Arab countries with ties to Israel now allow travel, business, and cultural exchange, but requirements vary by country.
Planning a trip? Start with Egypt and Jordan—both have well-established border crossings and direct flights. In the UAE, Dubai and Abu Dhabi now host Israeli embassies and cultural centers, with direct flights from Tel Aviv running since 2020. Morocco has ramped up economic and tourism links too, including direct flights and business delegations. Always double-check the U.S. State Department travel advisories and local entry rules; policies can flip with regional developments. If you’re serious about post-Abraham Accords logistics, a regional travel agency that knows the routes inside out is worth the investment.
Does the UAE support Israel?
Yes. The UAE officially recognizes Israel and established full diplomatic relations on August 13, 2020.
The UAE-Israel normalization deal—part of the Abraham Accords and brokered with U.S. mediation—covers trade, technology, and security cooperation. By 2026, both countries have embassies, direct flights, and joint ventures in areas like fintech, renewable energy, and cybersecurity.
Does Saudi Arabia support Israel or Palestine?
Saudi Arabia publicly supports Palestinian statehood while maintaining unofficial, growing ties with Israel.
The kingdom has long been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights and remains a major donor to Palestinian institutions. But since 2022, there’s been quiet backchannel communications and limited cooperation with Israel—especially on energy and regional security—even though no formal recognition has happened as of 2026. For more on Saudi Arabia’s history, see this overview of Saudi laws.
What countries supported the creation of Israel?
The United States and the Soviet Union were among the first to formally recognize Israel on May 14, 1948, the day it declared independence.
Within months, over 20 countries—including the UK, France, and several Latin American nations—joined in. This quick recognition reflected the Zionist movement’s international support and the early Cold War’s geopolitical alignments.
Does Turkey recognize Israel?
Yes. Turkey formally recognized Israel on March 28, 1949, becoming the first majority-Muslim country to do so.
For decades, Turkey and Israel maintained solid diplomatic relations, teaming up on trade, military tech, and intelligence—especially in counterterrorism. But recent years have seen tensions flare over issues like Israel’s actions in Gaza and Jerusalem’s status, leading to periodic diplomatic downgrades.
Is Turkey stronger than Israel?
In the 2021 Global Firepower ranking, Turkey ranked first in the Middle East, while Israel ranked fifth.
Turkey’s military strength comes from its large standing army, domestic drone production, and NATO membership, giving it a clear quantitative edge. Israel, though, leads in qualitative military capabilities—think advanced missile defense, cyber warfare, and intelligence—which help offset its smaller size.
Is UAE better than Israel?
“Better” depends on what you value: UAE excels in economic diversification and infrastructure, while Israel leads in technology and innovation.
By 2026, the UAE has a slightly higher GDP per capita ($52,000 vs. Israel’s $50,000) and a more diversified economy driven by finance, tourism, and logistics. Israel, however, outpaces the UAE in GDP growth (3.8% vs. 3.2% in 2025), R&D spending (4.8% of GDP), and tech exports. If stability and global connectivity are priorities, the UAE might be the better pick. For investors chasing high-growth sectors like AI and cybersecurity, Israel is the clear standout.
Which country banned Israel?
As of 2026, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq maintain policies that effectively ban or severely restrict ties with Israel.
These countries don’t recognize Israel and ban direct trade, travel, or diplomatic engagement. Iran takes it further, funding groups like Hezbollah that oppose Israel’s existence. Other Arab states, such as Algeria and Kuwait, also refuse to recognize Israel but haven’t imposed formal bans.
Why is Israel attacking Gaza?
Israel’s military operations in Gaza are primarily responses to attacks by Hamas and other militant groups, including rocket fire and tunnel infiltrations.
The biggest escalation came after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, which killed over 1,200 Israelis and triggered Israel’s sustained military campaign. As of early 2026, Israel continues targeted strikes in Gaza to weaken Hamas’s military capabilities and secure the release of hostages. The humanitarian toll remains devastating, with Gaza health authorities reporting over 36,000 Palestinian casualties by early 2026.
Who gave Palestine to Israel?
No single country “gave” Palestine to Israel—it emerged from the 1947 UN Partition Plan and the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
The UN proposed splitting British-mandate Palestine into Jewish and Arab states in 1947. Jewish leaders accepted the plan; Arab leaders rejected it. When Israel declared independence in 1948, neighboring Arab states invaded, leading to Israel’s victory and the displacement of over 700,000 Palestinians—an event known as the Nakba.
What religion is followed in Israel?
As of 2026, Israel’s population is approximately 74% Jewish, 18% Muslim, 2% Christian, and 1.5% Druze, with smaller communities of Baha’is and others.
Israel’s Declaration of Independence guarantees freedom of religion, and Jerusalem remains a sacred city for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Still, tensions occasionally flare over access to holy sites, particularly in Jerusalem’s Old City.
When did Israel stop being a nation?
There is no period in modern history when Israel ceased to exist as a sovereign state.
Ancient Israel existed until the Romans destroyed the Second Temple in 70 CE. The modern State of Israel was founded in 1948 and has maintained continuous sovereignty, though its borders and recognition have shifted over time. Disputes over territory and statehood persist, but Israel has never “stopped being a nation” in the modern sense.
Who accepted Israel first?
The United States and the Soviet Union were among the first to recognize Israel on May 14, 1948.
Within days, several Latin American countries—including Guatemala and Panama—followed suit. The UK recognized Israel de jure in 1950, while many Arab and Muslim-majority states held off for decades or still refuse to do so.
Which country does not recognize Pakistan?
As of 2026, Israel does not recognize Pakistan.
Pakistan, for its part, has historically refused to recognize Israel until a Palestinian state is established. While neither country has formal diplomatic relations, there have been limited backchannel discussions in recent years, particularly on regional security and counterterrorism.
Is Israel not a country?
No. Israel is a sovereign state recognized by 163 of the 193 UN member states as of 2026.
Israel joined the UN in 1949 and is a full member in most international organizations. Disputes over its legitimacy persist mainly among a minority of UN members, including some Arab states that don’t recognize it diplomatically.
Who is the strongest Arab country?
As of 2026, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are widely considered the strongest Arab countries based on GDP, military spending, and global influence.
Saudi Arabia leads in GDP ($1.1 trillion) and oil production, while the UAE stands out for economic diversification, tourism revenue ($40 billion in 2025), and hosting major global events. Both outspend other Arab states on their militaries ($60B+ combined) and foreign investments. Egypt remains strategically vital thanks to its population and Suez Canal revenues, but its GDP per capita ($3,800) lags behind the Gulf states.
