The Promoting Education on the Abraham Accords for Comprehensive Engagement Act (PEACE Act) would require the Department of State to strengthen and expand education and training for U.S. diplomatic personnel on the Abraham Accords and other normalization agreements with Israel (including past accords with Egypt and Jordan). The bill directs the State Department to develop enhanced courses, including virtual modules, and to supplement existing Foreign Service Institute offerings with content on the history, implementation, and regional implications of these agreements. It authorizes fellowships and exchanges for Foreign Service officers to engage with counterparts in Abraham Accords or normalization partner countries and related regional organizations. It also creates a new Abraham Accords and Normalization Advisory Board to provide independent, unanimous advice on curriculum and strategic planning. A State Department strategy must be developed within one year, followed by annual progress reports for four years. The act relies on ongoing policy requirements from the Israel Relations Normalization Act of 2022.
Key Points
- 1Short title: The act may be cited as the Promoting Education on the Abraham Accords for Comprehensive Engagement Act (PEACE Act).
- 2Sense of Congress: Education of U.S. officials on the Abraham Accords and normalization with Israel is essential for peace, stability, and regional cooperation; diplomats should be trained on history, principles, and policy specifics, including related 2022 normalization provisions.
- 3Education and training: State Department may expand and create courses focused on the Abraham Accords, peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan, and other normalization agreements; development of virtual training modules accessible to U.S. diplomatic personnel worldwide.
- 4Fellowships and exchanges: Director General of the Foreign Service may award fellowships or grants to officers to work with counterparts in Abraham Accords or normalization countries and with regional organizations, including short- and long-term options and collaborations with educational, NGO, or diplomatic entities.
- 5Advisory Board: Establish a nonpartisan Abraham Accords and Normalization Advisory Board (4 members with expertise in diplomacy, Middle East studies, interfaith dialogue, and peace-building), appointed by the Chairs and Ranking Members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The Board provides unanimous advice on curriculum, resources, and strategic planning.
- 6Strategy and reporting: Within one year, the Secretary of State must produce a comprehensive strategy to implement the training program, incorporating board recommendations and alignment with Israel Relations Normalization Act requirements. The State Department must then provide annual progress reports for four years detailing progress, challenges, and measurable outcomes.