Expansion of GCC-Israel relations:An explanation from the perspective of realism

The GCC's relations with Israel have historically been influenced by the Palestinian-Israeli peace process, and the failure to reach an agreement between Palestine and Israel played an important role in the non-normalization of relations between these actors. However, over time, the importance of this issue has diminished and political, economic and security relations between the members of the GCC and Israel have been increasingly developed. The UAE and Bahrain have established formal diplomatic relations with Israel which is a symbol of a change in Middle East policy and could pave the way for new alliances and coalitions in the region. This paper is going to answer the following question. Why have Israel and GCC increased and deepened their economic, political and security relations in a way that formal recognition of Israel and even the perspective of regional alliance between these actors are more probable than ever. The findings illustrate that the type of relations between different members of GCC and Israel vary according to the different interests and concerns of GCC members. However, most of GCC members have expanded relations with Israel to gain the US strategic support, improve their regional power and counter treats. Israel has also expanded relations with GCC to form a front against Iran, improve its regional power and finally reduce its international isolations. The methodology of the paper is explanatory approach and it concentrates mostly on the presidency of Donald Trump.