Consider the following statements : Statement-I : Israel has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States. Statement-II : The ‘Arab Peace Initiative’ Mediated by Saudi Arabia was signed by Israel and Arab League. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
2. B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
3. C. Statement-I is correct but Statement- II is incorrect
4. D. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Answer: C

Explanation

Statement I is correct. Israel has indeed established diplomatic relations with several Arab states. Historically, it signed peace treaties with Egypt (1979) and Jordan (1994). More recently, through the Abraham Accords in 2020, Israel normalized relations with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. Statement II is incorrect. The ‘Arab Peace Initiative’ was proposed by Saudi Arabia and endorsed by the Arab League in 2002, offering full normalization with Israel in exchange for a full withdrawal from occupied Palestinian territories and a just resolution for Palestinian refugees. However, Israel did not sign this initiative, as it had reservations about several of its provisions. Therefore, Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect. This question assesses knowledge of significant diplomatic developments and peace initiatives in the Middle East, which are crucial for understanding regional geopolitics.