Excavations at Tel Eton—thought to be the city of Eglon mentioned in the biblical book of Joshua—have uncovered what seems to be an ancient administrative center. The archaeologists believe that the city, located southwest of Jerusalem, was the third largest in ancient Judah after Jerusalem and Lachish. Robin Ngo writes:

Tel Eton is a fifteen-acre site strategically situated at a juncture where an ancient north-south road connected the Beersheba valley with the Ayalon valley and where several east-west roads connected the coastal plain with Mount Hebron. Surveys and excavations led by [excavation director Avraham] Faust . . . have revealed intermittent signs of occupation at Eton from the Early Bronze Age (3500–2200 BCE) to the Byzantine period (324–638 CE).

The Tel Eton project has concentrated excavation work on the large town that flourished in the 8th century BCE as part of the kingdom of Judah. During this time, the town boasted fortifications and a large house structure that sat at the mound’s highest point. . . . The Tel Eton archaeologists believe this building was the residence of a Judahite governor in charge of administrative affairs in the region.

Like his predecessor, Donald Trump seeks to expand the Abraham Accords to include Saudi Arabia. But there are other Arab nations that might consider taking such a step. Ahmad Charai points to Kuwait—home to the Middle East’s largest U.S. army base and desperately in need of economic reform—as a good candidate. Kuwaitis haven’t forgiven Palestinians for supporting Saddam Hussein during his 1990 invasion, but their country has been more rhetorically hostile to Israel than its Gulf neighbors:

The Abraham Accords have reshaped Middle Eastern diplomacy. . . . Kuwait, however, remains hesitant due to internal political resistance. While full normalization may not be immediately feasible, the United States should encourage Kuwait to take gradual steps toward engagement, emphasizing how participation in regional cooperation does not equate to abandoning its historical positions.

Kuwait could use its influence to push for peace in the Middle East through diplomatic channels opened by engagement rather than isolation. The economic benefits of joining the broader framework of the Abraham Accords are overwhelming. Israel’s leadership in technology, agriculture, and water management presents valuable opportunities for Kuwait to enhance its infrastructure. Trade and investment flows would diversify the economy, providing new markets and business partnerships.

Kuwaiti youth, who are increasingly looking for opportunities beyond the public sector, could benefit from collaboration with advanced industries, fostering job creation and entrepreneurial growth. The UAE and Bahrain have already demonstrated how normalization with Israel can drive economic expansion while maintaining their respective geopolitical identities.