Myths and facts

Common claims about the Abraham Accords checked against sources.

Draft, under review: this content has not yet been approved for publication.

We correct claims, not people. When a claim is true, we say so.

Claim: Kazakhstan has formally joined the Abraham Accords.

What the evidence shows: The State Department says Kazakhstan joined and that the US and Kazakhstan 'intend to hold a signing ceremony to officially mark this significant decision'. We describe it as: announced its intention to join (6 Nov 2025); signing pending.

Verdict: Missing context

Sources: US State Department fact sheet, 7 Nov 2025.

Claim: Sudan never signed the Abraham Accords.

What the evidence shows: Sudan signed the Abraham Accords Declaration in Khartoum on 6 January 2021, and the State Department publishes the signed document.

Verdict: False

Sources: AP via PBS NewsHour, 6 Jan 2021; US State Department: Sudan's signed Declaration.

Claim: The Abraham Accords are only a security or arms deal.

What the evidence shows: The signed texts cover trade, civil aviation, tourism, visas, finance, telecommunications, agriculture, water and energy, and the Declaration promotes interfaith dialogue. Security cooperation exists, but it is one strand among several.

Verdict: Misleading

Sources: US State Department: The Abraham Accords; White House (archived) joint statement, 19 Oct 2020; US State Department, Joint Declaration (TIAS 20-1222).

Claim: UAE–Israel trade collapsed after 2023.

What the evidence shows: UAE MOFA reports goods trade of $3.254bn in 2024 and $3.209bn in 2025, which it calls broadly stable.

Verdict: False

Sources: UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Claim: Flights between the UAE and Israel have stopped.

What the evidence shows: UAE MOFA reports about 1.53 million passengers in 2025 (up from about 892,000 in 2024) and a record 136 weekly direct flights.

Verdict: False

Sources: UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Claim: The IHRA working definition treats any criticism of Israel as antisemitic.

What the evidence shows: The definition states that 'criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic'. It is also described as non-legally binding.

Verdict: False

Sources: IHRA working definition.

Claim: Morocco and Israel opened full embassies in December 2020.

What the evidence shows: The 22 December 2020 Joint Declaration commits to reopening the liaison offices in Rabat and Tel Aviv and establishing full relations. The text does not open embassies. (We have not verified the current status of the missions.)

Verdict: Misleading

Sources: US State Department, Joint Declaration (TIAS 20-1222).

Claim: Designating the Muslim Brotherhood is the same as banning Islam or targeting Muslims.

What the evidence shows: The designations by Egypt (2013), Saudi Arabia (2014), the UAE (2014) and the US (Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood, 2026) name specific organisations. Britannica describes the Muslim Brotherhood as a religio-political organisation founded in 1928. It is a movement, not a faith or a people.

Verdict: Misleading

Sources: BBC News, 25 Dec 2013; Saudi Interior Ministry statement (Asharq Al-Awsat archive); WAM, 15 Nov 2014; Federal Register, 14 Jan 2026; Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Figures and dates were checked against the linked sources on 27 October 2026.