By Gilad Cohen, Ambassador of Israel to Japan

Israel's recent military victories over the Axis of Terror -- comprising Hamas, Hezbollah, the Shiite militias, and the Houthis, all under Iran's leadership -- have brought about tectonic shifts in the Middle East, presenting a unique opportunity for reimagined regional cooperation. The Abraham Accords of 2020 established normalized relations between Israel and countries like the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco, serving as a promising model for further collaboration and potential new agreements.

The return of U.S. President Donald Trump and key Washington figures who played a vital role in the Abraham Accords negotiation bolsters optimism for its potential further progress. A crucial breakthrough with Saudi Arabia could encourage other Gulf states and even Muslim-majority nations in Southeast Asia, like Indonesia, to join this momentum.

However, the tragic events of Oct. 7, marked by a devastating Hamas attack, brought an abrupt halt to these discussions and plunged Israel into a multifront conflict. Despite attacks from seven fronts, physical and cyber alike, Israel stood resilient and emerged stronger, restoring its deterrent capabilities and inflicting setbacks on Iran and its proxies.

While the situation remains complex, especially concerning hostages in Gaza, Israel's leadership is pursuing negotiations, navigating a shifted geopolitical landscape. The changing political dynamics in Washington provide an opportunity to advance peace and stability in the region, addressing shared threats such as Iran's nuclear ambitions and fostering connections between Asia, the Gulf states, and Europe.

Israel now calls on its neighbors and the broader international community, including Japan, to seize this moment and work toward full normalization. The Iranian people, who have suffered under tyranny for over 40 years, are not our enemy. We seek peace with the proud Persian people, sharing a 3,000-year history. We hope for an end to the oppressive rule of the Ayatollahs, allowing for peace and prosperity in the region.

Between 2008 and 2017, I was privileged to lead a division within Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs tasked with advancing normalization with the Gulf states. I visited the region numerous times, generating political and economic bridges behind the scenes. The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020 by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, culminated these efforts and were a source of immense pride for all involved.

Since then, Israeli embassies have been established in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Morocco, and a consulate general has been established in Dubai. Dozens of agreements have been signed in fields ranging from energy, cybersecurity, and innovation to tourism, trade, and defense. Direct flights have connected our nations, and hundreds of thousands of people have traveled for business and leisure.

Yet, the journey toward full normalization requires the involvement of global powers, such as Japan, which stands to gain from a stable Middle East. The UAE-Japan-Israel Innovation Forum held in January 2022 showcased collaboration opportunities that emerged from the Abraham Accords.

Japan's participation aligns with its interests in promoting regional stability and economic growth.

Israel is committed to the Abraham Accords and aims to expand it to more countries in the Middle East, emphasizing that today's decisions will shape the legacy for future generations.

The moment for action is now.