Israeli-Gulf relations

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

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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.

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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

Israeli Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot (C) attends a ceremony at the Mount Herzel military cemetery on Remembrance Day, commemorating fallen soldiers in the country's conflicts, Jerusalem, May 1, 2017.

Former IDF chief says Israel came close to killing Soleimani before US

Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot revealed that Israel almost killed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Qasem Soleimani a year and a half before he was assassinated by the Americans.

LED ground level lights installed to warn texting pedestrians before crossing the road are seen in the coastal city of Tel Aviv, Israel, March 12, 2019.

Israel, Emirates establish joint R&D, tech investment fund

With the export of Israeli high tech surpassing the export of goods, the government invests in a joint fund with the Emirates for technologies and start-ups, and also supports investment funds for developing countries.

EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP via Getty Images

Israel’s president to pay first visit to UAE

President Isaac Herzog will leave with his wife Michal on Sunday for a historic first visit to the United Arab Emirates.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

A picture shows a partial view of the Msaffah industrial district in the Emirati capital, Abu Dhabi, on Jan. 17, 2022.

Israel points finger at Iran for Houthi attack on UAE

Israel is worried about the international community's lack of reaction to the Houthi drone attack on the Emirates, surely orchestrated by Iran.

Men stand next to a tank at a storage facility of oil giant ADNOC in Abu Dhabi on Jan. 17, 2022.

Israel offers UAE support after Houthi drone attack

Israel and the United States were swift to back Abu Dhabi amid an unprecedented drone attack by Iran-backed rebels.

Barnea

Report says Mossad chief had met with Libyan PM

Arab media outlets claimed yesterday that Mossad Director David Barnea met in Jordan recently with Khalifa Hifter’s rival, Libyan transition Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibeh.

A tourist from India poses for photos in an F-35 Lighting II on display by Lockheed Martin at the Dubai Airshow 2021 on Nov. 14, 2021

UAE top destination for tourists from India

The UAE is looking to enhance its trade ties with India and recently sent a delegation to the country.

Israel diamonds

Qatar, Israel reach agreement on diamond trade

Qatar is not part to the Abraham Accords for normalizing ties with Israel, but this did not prevent it from reaching a bilateral agreement with Israel on the trade of diamonds.

Haim Zach/GPO

Bennett commits to partnership with Emirates on UAE visit

On his historic visit to Abu Dhabi, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett reassured his hosts that his government is committed to the alliance with the Emirates and that it will lobby on their behalf in Washington.

Haim Zach/GPO

Israeli PM pays landmark visit to UAE

On a first official visit to the Emirates, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrives for the welcome ceremony on the first day of the G-20 summit, Rome, Italy, Oct. 30, 2021.

Israel wants Erdogan to act on Hamas

For Jerusalem, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's intentions for better relations need to be backed up with actions.

Morocco's Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita (R) shakes hands with Israel's Defence Minister Benny Gantz, Rabat, Morocco, Nov. 24, 2021.

Gantz says Israel, Morocco ‘leap together’ in historic agreement

Defense Minister Benny Gantz signed this week in Rabat a landmark cooperation agreement with Morocco — the first such agreement signed by Israel with an Arab state.