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

A general view shows a stretch of the King Abdullah Canal near the Jordanian border town of Shuna Shamalia (North Shuna), some four kilometres from the Wadi al-Arab Dam on March 12, 2018.

Jordanian public unhappy with Israeli water deal

The sudden decision by Jordan and the United Arab Emirates to sign a declaration of intent to trade clean electricity for water has produced public opposition despite the fact that Jordan badly needs to add to its water supply due to the increase in population from the regional violence.

An Israeli air force mechanic inspects an F-16 fighter during the Blue Flag multinational air defense exercise.

Israel-UAE trade reaches $700 million

Israel’s representative in Dubai said there is going to be a “surge” of business between Israel and the Emirates.

Israel navy

UAE, Israel, Bahrain, US conduct joint naval exercise in Red Sea

Fighter jets from Saudi Arabia and Israel flew alongside a US B-1 bomber over the region today in a separate exercise of force.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett arrives for the COP26 UN Climate Summit in Glasgow on Nov. 1, 2021.

Israel’s Bennett meets Bahraini premier at climate summit

For the first time, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met in Glasgow with Bahraini Prime Minister Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

ASHRAF SHAZLY/AFP via Getty Images

Sudan coup puts normalization with Israel in jeopardy

The military leadership in Sudan had pushed for normalization with Israel, but in a situation of political turmoil and without American support, it may now find the process difficult to advance.

Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar (C) alongside current Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan (R) attend a ceremony at the Hall of Remembrance, Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial museum, Jerusalem, Oct. 18, 2021.

In Dubai, Israel sees normalization as bridge to business in India, Japan

The Abraham Accords offer Israel an economic peace, which means in turn also deeper economic ties with India, Japan and perhaps even Saudi Arabia.

Space

Israel, Emirates to collaborate in space

Israel and the United Arab Emirates signed an agreement in Dubai to cooperate on space missions, including collaboration on the Israeli Beresheet 2 lunar project.

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud walks toward the Treaty Room at the State Department, October 14, 2020, in Washington, DC.

Biden aide, Saudi crown prince discussed Israel normalization: report

Axios reports that White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan discussed Saudi Arabia's potential diplomatic ties with Israel during his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Comoros could be next to normalize ties with Israel

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid is pushing hard to deepen and expand the Abraham Accords.

This picture shows an Israeli flag fluttering above a building near the Dome of the Rock mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem, July 18, 2021.

Little by little, tourists from Emirates, Bahrain arrive to Israel

Contrary to the wave of more than 200,000 Israelis who have already visited the Emirates, tourists from the Gulf are just starting to arrive to Israel.

Israeli Foreign Ministry

Israel, Sudan discuss next steps for normalization

Israel is hoping that Sudan will soon finalize the normalization process it agreed upon several months ago in the framework of the Abraham Accords.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Blinken warns Iran 'time is running short' on nuclear deal return

In a joint press conference with his counterparts from Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Blinken said the United States is prepared to pursue “other options” if Tehran doesn’t resume compliance under the nuclear deal.