More than thirty years after unification with the north, the issue of an independent State of the South has returned to the spotlight. The Southern Transitional Council (STC) now presents itself as a de facto governing force, promoting a vision of independence—open to regional alliances and even peace with Israel.
STC leader Major General Aidarus al-Zoubaidi, who also serves as vice president of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, said the group’s openness toward Israel aligns with a broader vision of reviving the Abraham Accords—based on recognizing a Palestinian state alongside Israel.
“A two-state solution between Israel and Palestine is the cornerstone for restoring the Abraham Accords,” he told Alhurra, “and South Yemen can be part of that if a Palestinian state is recognized.”
For the STC, peace with Israel is not just diplomacy—it’s a path to international legitimacy, economic opportunity, and security partnerships. Observers note that this approach mirrors the interests of the UAE, the Council’s key backer, which already maintains strong strategic and technological ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords.