Israel and Allies Discuss Abraham Accords 2.0 at Policy Summit

Israeli military and policy experts gathered at the 2026 JNS International Policy Summit in Jerusalem to discuss the evolution of Middle East security and the expansion of the Abraham Accords. Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, praised the 2020 agreements for creating a new regional architecture based on shared interests. Defrin noted that while Israel was nearing normalization with Saudi Arabia in 2023, the October 7 Hamas attacks shifted the security landscape, prompting the IDF to adopt a strategy of preventing threats before they manifest.

Panelists at the summit introduced the concept of Abraham Accords 2.0, which emphasizes joint air defense, artificial intelligence, and a research framework signed into law in February 2026. This strategic shift is supported by the establishment of a Middle East Air Defense Cell in Qatar in January 2026. Experts highlighted the resilience of the accords in trade and tourism, citing Dubai as a critical hub for Israeli connectivity.

While Saudi Arabia remains a primary target for expansion, analysts noted that Riyadh has reverted to traditional diplomacy. The panel argued that deeper institutional and cultural investments, alongside strong U.S. leadership, are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the peace agreements and the broader security framework.