Israel hails 'new era of true peace' after normalisation of ties with Sudan

Jerusalem - PM Benjamin Netanyahu expresses his delight as Sudan follows UAE and Bahrain's example.

Israel hailed a new era in its relations with the Arab world on Friday after the announcement of plans to normalise ties with Sudan.

"This is a new era. An era of true peace. A peace that is expanding with other Arab countries - three of them in recent weeks," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement. Israel reached normalisation agreements last month with the UAE and Bahrain.

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"In Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, the three principles of the Arab League were adopted in 1967: No peace with Israel, no recognition of Israel, and no negotiations with Israel," said Netanyahu.

"Whereas today Khartoum says - yes to peace with Israel, yes to recognition of Israel and to normalisation with Israel."

Israel's recent rapprochement with some of its Arab neighbors reflects shifting regional priorities, and shared concerns about Iran.

NETANYAHU SIDESTEPS US DOMESTIC POLITICS

The announcement of a US-brokered deal between Israel and a third Arab state comes less than two weeks before President Donald Trump faces voters in an election.

Netanyahu tweeted about the deal, including in Arabic, and thanked Trump and his team for their role in brokering it. He said Israeli and Sudanese delegations would soon meet to discuss cooperation in areas including agriculture and trade.

But during a telephone call with Trump - a close ally - Netanyahu sidestepped remarks from Trump denigrating his opponent Joe Biden, who leads in opinion polls.

“Do you think Sleepy Joe could have made this deal, Bibi, Sleepy Joe... Somehow I don’t think so,” Trump asked Netanyahu on the call.

Netanyahu, reliant on bipartisan support for Israel in Washington, responded: "Uh... one thing I can tell you is we appreciate the help for peace from anyone in America."

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