UPSC Prelims 2023 Q94: Current Affairs – International Relations & Treaties
Consider the following statements:
Statement - I:
Israel has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States.
Statement - II:
The 'Arab Peace Initiative' mediated by Saudi Arabia was signed by Israel and Arab League.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
- (a) Both Statement - I and Statement - II are correct and Statement - II is the correct explanation for Statement - I
- (b) Both Statement - I and Statement - II are correct and Statement - II is not the correct explanation for Statement - I
- (c) Statement - I is correct but Statement - II is incorrect
- (d) Statement - I is incorrect but Statement - II is correct
Answer: (c) Statement - I is correct but Statement - II is incorrect
Explanation
Israel and the Arab States
| Arab State | Diplomatic relations with Israel |
|---|---|
| Egypt | 1979 — Camp David peace treaty |
| Jordan | 1994 — Wadi Araba treaty |
| UAE, Bahrain | 2020 — Abraham Accords |
| Morocco | 2020 |
| Sudan | Agreed in 2020–21 |
Statement I — correct.
Arab Peace Initiative (2002):
| Point | Fact |
|---|---|
| Proposed by | Saudi Arabia (Crown Prince Abdullah) |
| Endorsed by | Arab League, Beirut summit, 2002 |
| Offer | Normal ties with Israel in return for withdrawal to the 1967 lines and a Palestinian state |
| Israel | Never signed or accepted it |
Statement II — incorrect. It was a Saudi proposal endorsed by the Arab League, not a deal signed with Israel or a mediation.
Answer: (c) Statement - I is correct but Statement - II is incorrect.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement II is false, so it cannot explain Statement I.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement II is false; Israel never signed the Arab Peace Initiative.
- (c) CORRECT. Israel has ties with Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Bahrain and Morocco, but it never signed the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement I is true; several Arab States have diplomatic relations with Israel.
Key point
Israel's Arab ties: Egypt (1979), Jordan (1994), UAE, Bahrain, Morocco (2020). The 2002 Arab Peace Initiative was never signed by Israel.
Remember
Israel never signed the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the Arab Peace Initiative (2002) with the Abraham Accords (2020).
- Thinking Saudi Arabia has formal ties with Israel; it does not yet.
- Forgetting the older treaties with Egypt and Jordan.
Exam tip
Abraham Accords = signed with Israel (2020). Arab Peace Initiative = Arab offer to Israel (2002), never signed.
Sources
- Arab League — Beirut Declaration (2002)
- US Department of State — Abraham Accords (2020)
- Ministry of External Affairs — West Asia briefs