Kazakhstan to Join Abraham Accords With Israel as Trump Revives Middle East Peace Push

Kazakhstan has announced plans to join the Abraham Accords, becoming the first nation to do so since the historic agreements were initially signed in 2020. The move underscores the country’s intent to strengthen ties with Israel while supporting U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed effort to revive the Middle East peace process.

The official announcement is expected to take place during a high-level meeting at the White House, where Trump will host Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev along with leaders from the other Central Asian republics. The gathering aims to highlight Washington’s broader strategy of expanding diplomatic cooperation between Israel and Muslim-majority nations.

In a statement released Thursday, Kazakhstan’s government described the decision as “natural and logical,” reflecting the country’s longstanding policy of promoting regional dialogue and stability. “Our anticipated accession to the Abraham Accords represents a natural and logical continuation of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy — grounded in dialogue, mutual respect, and regional stability,” the government said.

Unlike the Arab nations that first signed the Abraham Accords — the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan — Kazakhstan has maintained diplomatic relations with Israel for decades. The Central Asian republic’s move is seen as largely symbolic but politically significant, bolstering Trump’s efforts to consolidate support for a broader peace initiative amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Trump’s administration views Kazakhstan’s entry as a strategic step to reinforce the fragile Gaza ceasefire deal, which has faced several challenges in recent months. U.S. officials have been urging regional allies to back the de-escalation process and contribute to rebuilding trust between Israel and its neighbors.

Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy involved in the negotiations, confirmed earlier in the week that a new country would be joining the accords, sparking brief speculation that Saudi Arabia could be next. However, those rumors were quickly dismissed, with officials clarifying that Kazakhstan would be the new member.

Speaking at the America Business Forum in Miami, Witkoff said, “I’m flying back to Washington tonight because we’re going to announce another country joining the Abraham Accords.”

Trump also hinted at the upcoming expansion, saying, “We have a lot of people joining now, and hopefully we are going to get Saudi Arabia very soon.” His remarks, made in the presence of Saudi Ambassador Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, drew attention amid the kingdom’s cautious stance following the Gaza conflict.

Saudi Arabia, which had been in advanced talks with Washington regarding normalization with Israel, paused discussions after the October 2023 Gaza war. The kingdom has reiterated that it will only proceed with normalization once significant progress is made toward the establishment of an independent Palestinian state — a position opposed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Abraham Accords, first signed during Trump’s previous term, were hailed as a major diplomatic breakthrough, normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab states. The agreements aimed to reshape alliances in the Middle East, promote economic cooperation, and reduce long-standing hostilities.

Kazakhstan’s inclusion could reinvigorate momentum around the accords and encourage other Muslim-majority nations to consider engagement with Israel. Analysts say the move aligns with Kazakhstan’s balanced foreign policy, which seeks to maintain strong ties with both Western nations and regional powers, including Russia and China.

As the U.S. continues its mediation efforts in the region, the Gaza ceasefire remains delicate. Despite the truce, Israel has carried out limited military operations, claiming self-defense against Hamas attacks. Negotiators are reportedly working on a disarmament process for Hamas, contingent upon the deployment of an international peacekeeping force under a draft UN resolution.

Kazakhstan’s entry into the Abraham Accords marks a new chapter in its diplomatic history — one that could further solidify its reputation as a bridge between the Islamic world, the West, and Israel.