Arab Attitudes Toward Normalization and the Abraham Accords

Note: We are presenting raw data. To analyze the data, we encourage users to read the entire study and the methodology used. Sample size, question wording, and question order can affect results and reliability. Context and timing may also influence responses; for example, if the survey is conducted during a war. The wording of questions in Arabic may not be exact.

Do you favor the normalization of relations between Arab states and Israel? [% Favor] (Arab Barometer, July 2022, September 2023-July 2024).

If it is up to you, which of the following conditions should Saudi Arabia demand in order to normalize its relations with Israel? [Palestinians] (PSR, September 6-9, 2023)

Do you support PA entry into negotiations with Saudi Arabia and the U.S. over setting Palestinian conditions for Saudi normalization with Israel, such as Israeli transfer of land or the opening of the PLO representative office in Washington DC? [Palestinians] (PSR, September 6-9, 2023)

Arab governments are neglecting the Palestinians and starting to make friends with Israel, because they think the Palestinians should be more willing to compromise. (The Washington Institute, July 8-27, 2023)

If Saudi Arabia normalizes relations with Israel, Palestinian leadership should also normalize relations and end the conflict. (The Washington Institute, July 8-27, 2023)

What impact will Abraham Accords peace agreements between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan have on our region? [% positive] (Washington Institute, April 2023)

If it would help our economy, it would be acceptable to have some business deals with Israeli companies. (Washington Institute, April 2023)

In case of an earthquake or other natural disaster, as we just saw in Syria and Turkey, Arab countries should refuse any humanitarian aid from Israel. (Washington Institute, April 2023)

How strongly do/would you support or oppose your government’s decision to normalize diplomatic relations with Israel? (ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey, March 27-April 12, 2023)

What is your view of the Abraham Accords between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan? (Washington Institute, March 2022).

Arab approval of UAE and Bahrain peace agreements with Israel (Washington Institute, October 17-November 9, 2020)

Saudi views on UAE and Bahrain peace agreements with Israel. (Washington Institute, October 17-November 9, 2020)

With an American initiative, UAE and Israel arrived at an agreement to normalize relations between the two countries in which Israel agreed to suspend or postpone theannexation of Palestinian areas in the West Bank. Do you see this agreement representing a great transformation in the region in its relations or Israel or do you see it as a minor issues that will have little consequences? (PSR, September 9-12, 2020)

In your view, does this agreement serve the interests of the Palestinians or the Israelis or both sides? (PSR, September 9-12, 2020)

If you want to pick a single word that describes your feeling toward the decision of UAE to normalize relations with Israel, you would say: (PSR, September 9-12, 2020)

In your view, does the majority of the public in the Arab World support or oppose the decision of the UAE to normalize relations with Israel in return for stopping or postponing the annexation of Palestinian territories in the West Bank? (PSR, September 9-12, 2020)

There are reports about the likelihood of other Arab countries, like Bahrain, Oman, Sudan, and Morocco, to reaching normalization agreements with Israel. Do you think some or all of these countries will indeed normalize relations with Israel in the near future despite continued Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories? (PSR, September 9-12, 2020)

Do you think Saudi Arabia has given the green light for the UAE to normalize relations with Israel? (PSR, September 9-12, 2020)

Do you think Saudi Arabia too will publicly reach a normalization agreement with Israel? (PSR, September 9-12, 2020)

Egypt has welcomed the UAE-Israel normalization deal while the PA leadership has described the deal as a stabbing in the back of the Palestinian people. Do you view the Egyptian position as an abandonment of the Palestinian leadership led by Abbas? (PSR, September 9-12, 2020)

Some say that we should not blame others and instead should blame ourselves first because of our split and second because we have recognized Israel and normalized relations with it before the UAE did that same thing. Do you agree or disagree with this view? (PSR, September 9-12, 2020)

Similarly, some say that the decision by the UAE to violate the Arab consensus embodied in the Arab Peace Initiative is big failure for Palestinian diplomacy. Do you agree or disagree with this view? (PSR, September 9-12, 2020)

Do you support the normalization agreements between Israel and the Arab world? [Not exact wording] (Zogby Analytics, October 2020)

Note: The following surveys were taken before the signing of the Abraham Accords.

At this point, in your opinion, how likely is it that some Arab states will develop normalized relations with Israel even without peace between Israel and the Palestinians? (Zogby Analytics, August 25-September 26, 2019, June 24 - July 5, 2020)

In your opinion, how desirable is it that some Arab states develop normalized relations with Israel even without peace between Israel and the Palestinians? (Zogby Analytics, August 25-September 26, 2019, June 24 - July 5, 2020)

Major Factors for Viewing Normalization as “Desirable” (Zogby Analytics, June 24 - July 5, 2020)

If some Arab states do proceed with normalization, what areas, in your opinion, would be the most desirable to explore? [Select all that apply.] (Zogby Analytics, June 24 - July 5, 2020)

Sources: Neta Bar and Daniel Siryoti, “Poll finds growing support for ties with Israel in some Arab countries,” Israel Hayom, (October 12, 2020).
“The Annexation Debate,” Zogby Research Services [undated] (Survey: June 24 - July 5, 2020.