Israeli PM Bennet’s Landmark Visit To UAE

Web Desk — Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett will meet with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan during his trip to the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, the highest-level visit since the countries formalized relations in November last year.

Bennett will meet with the UAE’s de facto ruler on Monday to discuss “deepening relations between Israel and the UAE, especially economic and regional issues,” Bennett’s office said. “This is the first official visit by an Israeli prime minister to the UAE,” a statement said.

Israel and the United States are ramping up pressure on Tehran by discussing the possible economic and military consequences of diplomacy if it fails, as world powers resume negotiations to renew a nuclear deal with Iran.

Bennett has called on the Vienna talks to be abandoned, accusing Iran of nuclear blackmail and claiming that it will use any revenue from sanctions relief to bolster a military arsenal that can threaten Israel. 

Israel has discussed setting up joint defences with Gulf Arab states that are concerned about Iranian activities. 

UAE’s National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited Tehran last Monday, reaching out to neighbouring Iran in the process.

The top Emirati official’s visit was the first of its kind since the two countries’ relations were downgraded in 2016.