Israeli-Gulf relations

Israeli army soldiers look at the destruction in Gaza from the border with the Palestinian territory, Aug. 13, 2025.

Exclusive

Contrary to Netanyahu's claims, Israel spy chief pushes partial Gaza deal in Qatar

As the Israeli prime minister defends his plan to take full control of Gaza, Mossad chief David Barnea pushes for a partial ceasefire deal.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

The national flags of the United Arab Emirates (L) and Israel are set side by side at the new Israeli consulate of Dubai ahead of a press conference by Israel's foreign minister on June 30, 2021.

Despite travel warning, Israel says diplomatic missions in UAE remain open: What to know

The developments come as Israeli Ambassador Yossi Shelley faces growing scrutiny over his behavior in the UAE, with media reports suggesting diplomatic tensions and possible internal discussions about his future in the role.

Analysis

As Netanyahu backs Israel’s ambassador to UAE, controversy exposes rift with Abu Dhabi

Yossi Shelley, Israel’s ambassador to the UAE, finds himself in hot water after series of reports about his problematic behavior and grumblings from his Emirati hosts.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

TOPSHOT - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a press conference in Jerusalem on May 21, 2025. Netanyahu said on May 21 that he was ready for a "temporary ceasefire" to guarantee the return of hostages held in Gaza, of whom 20 are "certainly" alive. (Photo by Ronen Zvulun / POOL / AFP) (Photo by RONEN ZVULUN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

From strikes to strategy: Netanyahu seeks cover — and credit — in Trump meeting

The Israeli prime minister arrives at the White House victorious after Trump's decision to strike Iranian nuclear sites, his trial dates postponed, and Gaza on the radar.

Latest News

Analysis

Netanyahu looks to Trump for Gaza ultimatum to leverage against far right

Palestinians carry their belongings as they flee Gaza City, May 16, 2025.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Cautious optimism around Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal but hurdles remain

Israel weighs Gaza ceasefire, Abraham Accords expansion as Dermer heads to Washington

Israeli ambassador to the US Ron Dermer speaks at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) policy conference in Washington, DC on March 4, 2018.

Analysis

Israel's war in Iran redefining AI’s warfare role: The Gulf is taking notes

A drone flies beside a damaged building following a strike by an Iranian missile in the Israeli city of Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv, early on June 15, 2025.

Francesco Schiavi

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Rough diamonds for sale at Koin International in Dubai, June 3, 2021, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Israeli diamond exchange opens office in Dubai

The Israeli and Emirati diamond sectors pledged to do business together following the signing of the Abraham Accords.

Al-Monitor Staff

By Al-Monitor Staff

Israel Morocco

Analysis

Israel hopes to triple trade with Morocco

Israel and Morocco have signed a trade and investment cooperation agreement, with Israel aspiring to enlarge its annual trade volume with Morocco from $131 million to $500 million.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Sudan's top Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan speaks as he attends the conclusion of a military exercise in the Maaqil area, northern Nile River State, Sudan, Dec. 8, 2021.

Sudan moves ahead with Israel ties

Tel Aviv continues to exchange visits with the contested authorities in Khartoum and deepen their security cooperation, in line with the coup generals’ allies in the Gulf and Egypt.

Bennett in Bahrain

Israel’s Bennett meets with Bahraini king

On his first official visit to Bahrain, Israel’s Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met Bahran's king, crown prince and prime minister at the royal palace in Manama.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett delivers a speech upon his departure to Bahrain, at Ben Gurion Airport, near Tel Aviv, Feb. 14, 2022.

Israel’s Bennett in Bahrain to warn against Iran

During a first, historic visit, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett emphasizes that Israel and Bahrain share similar interests in constructing regional cooperation and in battling against Iran.

Stephanie Keith/Getty Images

Israel still hesitant to rehab diplomatic relations with Turkey

Jerusalem seems unconvinced that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sincerely wants to improve bilateral relations.

Israel's Foreign Minister Yair Lapid speaks during a joint press conference with his Bahraini counterpart in the capital Manama, Bahrain, Sept. 30, 2021.

Israel expresses interest in NATO-like Mideast alliance

The memorandum of understanding Defense Minister Benny Gantz signed yesterday with Bahrain, constitutes another step in Israel’s efforts to establish an anti-Iran regional alliance.

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Emirati Defense Minister Abdullah Bin Hassan Al Nuaimi

Israel signs security cooperation agreement with Bahrain

On a first public visit to Manama, Defense Minister Benny Gantz signed a memorandum of understanding, formalizing the security relationship between Israel and Bahrain.

GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images

Emirates advances 2021 plan to invest $10 billion in Israel

With a new Israeli government that is stable and committed to the Abraham Accords, the Emiratis are moving forward on their 2021 pledge to invest $10 billion in the country.

Image released by US Naval Forces Central Command on Jan. 31, 2022, shows Prince Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa (C); Vice Admiral Brad Cooper (C-L); and Maggie Nardi (2nd-L), charge d'affairs, US Embassy to Bahrain, at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain.

Israel takes part in naval exercise with Saudi Arabia, Oman

Israel is for the first time taking part in the US Navy-led International Maritime Exercise.

JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images

UAE intercepts Houthi ballistic missile as Israeli president visits

The Houthis are warning of additional attacks after the third attempted strike on Dubai and Abu Dhabi this month.

United Arab Emirates

KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images

Israeli president continues UAE visit despite Houthi missile fire

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog is continuing to meet with senior Emirati officials in Abu Dhabi and Dubai despite the missile fire from Yemen.