UAE-ISRAEL NORMALIZATION: EXAMINING PUBLIC OPINION ON FACEOOK AND TWITTER (X)

Abstract

Background: The Abraham Accords, signed in August 2020 between the UAE and Israel, marked a significant shift in Middle Eastern diplomacy. In supporting it, the social media played a critical role in shaping public discourse around the normalization of relations, providing a platform for both support and opposition.

Aim: This study aims to analyze the role of social media in influencing public opinion during the UAE-Israel diplomatic relations normalization process. The focus is on the types of content shared, the dominant sentiments expressed, and the public's reception of the Abraham Accords.

Methods: A secondary data analysis methodology was employed, drawing on social media content from X and Facebook. Posts were collected from August to October 2020, a period characterized by intense online discussions about the Accords. Sentiment analysis, using NVivo software, was conducted on 541 tweets and 117 Facebook posts. Keywords such as "Abraham Accords," "UAE-Israel relations," and relevant hashtags were used to refine the dataset.

Results: The sentiment analysis revealed a spectrum of public opinion, with the majority expressing positive sentiments toward the Abraham Accords. Key terms like "peace," "cooperation," and "prosperity" were frequently mentioned, indicating optimism about the economic and diplomatic benefits of normalization. However, a significant minority expressed negative sentiments, with concerns centered around the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and perceived betrayal of Arab unity.

Conclusions: The findings highlight the dual nature of public sentiment, with both robust support and strong opposition to the Abraham Accords. These insights are crucial for policymakers in managing public opinion and fostering diplomatic relations in the region, with implications for future agreements and public engagement strategies.