Faith & Freedom News FFNJon Pearce’s Historic Visit: Strengthening UK, Israel, and UAE Ties Through the Abraham Accords - Faith & Freedom News

In late March 2025, Jon Pearce, Labour MP and chair of Labour Friends of Israel (LFI), made history as the first British parliamentarian to fly directly from Israel to the United Arab Emirates. This groundbreaking journey, enabled by the 2020 Abraham Accords, underscores a new era of diplomacy and cooperation in the Middle East. Pearce’s visit aimed to strengthen ties, promote normalization, and advocate for peace amidst ongoing regional challenges. From meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders to discussions in Abu Dhabi, his trip highlights the potential for progress even in turbulent times.

A Historic Journey Symbolizing Peace

The direct flight from Israel to the UAE, a route unimaginable just five years ago, represents the tangible success of the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between the two nations. Pearce’s plane, one of 18 daily flights, carried Israeli families and businesspeople—a testament to how quickly this new connection has become routine. As he noted in an opinion piece for Jewish News, “The truth is that despite the terrible war in Gaza, the Abraham Accords demonstrate how durable peace is when underpinned by shared values and a commitment to security and prosperity.”

This historic trip was not just a symbolic gesture; it was a strategic move to reinforce the UK’s role in supporting Middle East peace. Pearce’s itinerary included high-level meetings that addressed political collaboration, security threats, and the human impact of conflict, culminating in a vision for broader regional normalization.

Key Meetings in Israel: Politics, Security, and Humanity

While in Israel, Pearce engaged with a range of influential figures. He met President Isaac Herzog, a former leader of Labour’s Israeli sister party, to discuss safeguarding Israel’s Jewish and democratic identity. Talks with opposition leader Yair Lapid and Yair Golan, head of the Democrats, focused on uniting centre-left forces to challenge the Netanyahu coalition in the upcoming 2026 elections. Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel also joined these discussions, highlighting shared concerns about Israel’s future.

Security was a pressing topic, as missile attacks from Iran-backed groups Hamas and the Houthis forced Israelis into shelters during Pearce’s visit. He addressed the UK’s response to Iran’s destabilizing influence, including placing Iran and its Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) on the highest tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS). LFI continues to push for the IRGC to be proscribed as a terrorist organization, reflecting the urgency of countering Tehran’s proxies.

A deeply personal moment came when Pearce met Emily Damari, a released British-Israeli hostage, and her mother, Mandy. Delivering a note from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, he emphasized the human toll of the conflict. “The victims of Hamas’ war include the hostages and their families,” Pearce wrote, referencing the 59 still in captivity and the harrowing stories of those freed.

East Jerusalem: Bridging Israeli-Palestinian Dialogue

In East Jerusalem, Pearce met Elias Zananiri, Vice-Chairman of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation’s Committee for Interaction with Israeli Society. Amidst historic tensions, their discussion explored pathways to peace, including LFI’s support for the International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace. The UK’s pledge to host a global meeting for the Fund in 2025 underscores its commitment to fostering dialogue. Pearce also engaged with peacebuilding activists, reinforcing the need for constituencies of peace among both Israelis and Palestinians.

Abu Dhabi: Advancing the Abraham Accords

The flight to Abu Dhabi marked a pivotal moment in Pearce’s trip. There, he met Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, a key architect of UAE-Israel relations and chairman of the UAE Federal National Council’s Defense Affairs, Interior & Foreign Affairs Committee. Their talks celebrated the Abraham Accords’ benefits—boosted trade, tourism, and cultural exchange—while exploring how the UK and Arab world can help end the Gaza conflict. They also discussed opportunities for further normalization across the region, a process Hamas sought to derail with its October 7 attacks.

LFI chair Jon Pearce meets Dr Ali Al-Nuaimi in Abu Dhabi

Pearce visited the Abrahamic Family House, a striking symbol of tolerance with its mosque, church, and synagogue, and met with British Ambassador Edward Hobart and the UAE’s growing Jewish community. He observed preparations for Pesach, noting the thriving Jewish life in the Gulf as evidence of normalization’s positive impact.

UK Leadership in Normalization

LFI has proposed a UK special envoy for the Abraham Accords, with ambassadorial status, to encourage more countries to normalize relations with Israel and integrate UK economic and cultural sectors into regional platforms. Pearce emphasized this in Abu Dhabi, arguing that normalization is key to regional security against Iranian extremism. “The UK’s continued involvement in a multinational coalition to police the Red Sea… is testament to our commitment to peace,” he wrote, referencing efforts to counter Houthi disruptions.

Jon Pearce’s Vision: Peace Through Resilience

In his Jewish News opinion piece, Pearce reflected on the trip’s significance. “Iran and its terrorist proxies are bent on Israel’s destruction and the undermining of regional security,” he wrote, citing Hamas and Houthi attacks as attempts to halt normalization. Yet, he sees hope in the Abraham Accords’ resilience and the UAE’s efforts to promote tolerance.

He called for a two-state solution and a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, where protests against Hamas signal a desire for change. “The suffering I witnessed for both Israelis and Palestinians is utterly heartbreaking,” he said. “The path to peace lies in building constituencies for peace… The path to regional security lies in normalization.”

Conclusion: A Step Toward a Peaceful Future

Jon Pearce’s journey from Israel to the UAE is a powerful statement of possibility. By engaging with leaders, advocating for peace initiatives, and highlighting the Abraham Accords’ success, he has positioned the UK as a vital player in Middle East stability. As he concluded, “When security and normalization are the result, Israelis support peace. They support peace for the whole of their troubled region.” This historic trip is a call to action—for continued support, dialogue, and hope in a region long defined by conflict.