32 | DECEMBER 3 • 2020 with Israel, it would jeopardize its security interests and leave itself exposed to the Iranian threat. The normalization deals deliv- er a message all-too-familiar to Palestinians: You’re on your own. At present, it doesn’t seem like Israeli-Palestinian nego- tiations will resume, Yaari predicts, “due to both Israeli and Palestinian leadership.” It is not inconceivable, how- ever, that “when Abu Mazen [Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas] is replaced, and perhaps Netanyahu as well, there will be a breakthrough.” SUDAN MOMENTUM Trump announced in late October that Sudan would start normalizing ties with Israel after pledging that the African country would be removed from the terror list, as it agreed to put $335 million in an escrow account for compensating American victims of terror attacks. The importance of the Israel- Sudan normalization stems, in part, from the expansion from the Middle East outward to Africa, as well as the unique momentum, proving that the UAE wasn’t an isolated case, but a cornerstone potentially mark- ing the beginning of a trend. FIGHTER JETS? Predictably, the agreement was accepted with mixed emotions in the Arab world. But even in Israel and the U.S. the festive atmosphere was overshadowed by growing doubts — primar- ily following the White House notification to Congress late October that it intends to sell 50 Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets to the UAE, thus jeopardiz- ing Israel’s military edge. “The idea that we’re giving the exact same fighter jet to an Arab neighbor just makes me ner- vous, ” said Michigan Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin, who is Jewish and previously worked at the Pentagon. “I support normal- ization, but not at the expense of Israeli’s strategic national security. ” But Israeli security sources later confirmed to local media that they were attempting to advance the purchase of F-22 Raptor jets — currently the world’s most advanced fighter plane — from the U.S., so that the Israeli Air Force would pre- serve its superiority in the region despite the deal. WHAT’S NEXT? Israeli Intelligence Minister Eli Cohen said implementing further normalization deals could depend on the next U.S. president displaying continued “resolve” against Iran, naming Qatar, Morocco and Niger as some of the potential next coun- tries “on the agenda. ” Behind closed doors, some Israeli security officials are allow- ing themselves to ponder the possibility of normalizing rela- tions with other Arab countries, like Oman, or — perhaps, one day — even Saudi Arabia. Critics point out that cozy- ing up to Saudi Arabia means getting in bed with one of the worst human rights abusers in the world. However, for such unprecedented normalization deal to take place, Israeli officials agree that a few crowns still need to change heads. For now, the near future for Israeli nationals looks more like an all-inclusive holiday in Dubai. Dana Regev is an Israeli-born jour- nalist who reports on global affairs for Deutsche Welle in Germany and is a contributor to the Jewish News. continued from page 30 ERETZ ON THE COVER Marvelous selections from 200+ artists! 1516 S Cranbrook Rd Birmingham MI 48009 December 3-21 Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm · Sundays, Noon-4pm Minimally Invasive LANAP Laser T reatment for Gum Disease The laser alternative to traditional gum surgery for treating gum disease. Minimally Invasive Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation T echnique™ Gives patients a minimally invasive option to treat gum recession, eliminates discomfort and improves the smile. The Crown Lengthening Procedure Improves a “gummy” smile by removing excess gum tissue for a pleasing, natural-looking smile. Dental Implants A replacement for a natural tooth root that has the same function, permanence, and appearance. www.drnemeth.com 248.357.3100 | 29829 Telegraph Road, Suite 111 | Southfi eld, Michigan 48034 Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS & Amar Katranji, DDS, MS LET US CREATE YOUR BEAUTIFUL SMILE Breakthrough Techniques and Impeccable Care for Gum Disease and Recession, Gummy Smile and Missing Teeth ®