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

WAM Hebrew service

Emirati, Israeli media outlets sign cooperation agreement

Emirates News Agency also launched a Hebrew-language website.

Senior adviser Jared Kushner and US Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin listen while Donald Trump announces an agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Israel to normalize diplomatic ties, the White House August 13, 2020, in Washington, DC.

Senators introduce bill to strengthen Israeli-Arab normalization agreements

Both Democrats and Republicans signed on to the legislation, which would mandate more action on fighting Islamophobia and anti-Semitism and boosting Israeli-Arab exchange programs, among other things.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the American Israel Public Affairs Committee policy conference, where he is ramping up his mission to foil an emerging White House-backed nuclear deal with Iran, in Washington, March 2, 2015.

Chances for Israeli alliance with Saudis against Iran fading

Saudi Arabia is reluctant to showcase any cooperation with Israel, including security cooperation against the Iranian regional threat.

Mauritania's Minister for Foreign Affairs Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed speaks during the General Debate of the 73rd session of the General Assembly at the United Nations in New York on Sept. 27, 2018.

Mauritania resumes ties with Qatar following Gulf rift easing

MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images

After Jordan, Emirates also furious with Netanyahu

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not only managed to get into a diplomatic row with Jordan, he also succeeded in angering the Emiratis.

Israeli and Emirati rugby teams to play each other for first time

The rugby sevens match in Dubai is the latest example of the strengthening of relations between Israel and the UAE and shows a shift in Israel's sports relations with other regional states.

United Arab Emirates

Israeli air carrier requests to fly to Sharm el-Sheikh

In another sign of warming relations, Israel's Israir Airlines Ltd. wants to operate flights from Tel Aviv and Haifa to the Sinai Sharm el-Sheikh resort town.

Israel, Emirates strive for warm, vibrant, profitable peace

Since the signing of the Abraham Accords, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain multiply contacts for joint ventures and mutual investments.

UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash speaks during a press conference in Sudan's capital Khartoum on January 14, 2020. - Gargash arrived in Sudan for a two-day visit. (Photo by ASHRAF SHAZLY / AFP) (Photo by ASHRAF SHAZLY/AFP via Getty Images)

UAE diplomat Gargash replaced in Cabinet reshuffle

Gargash will serve as diplomatic adviser to the Emirati president, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

United Arab Emirates

Israel's Netanyahu postpones trip to UAE and Bahrain amid virus surge

The prime minister cited Israel's suspension of flights for pushing back the historic trip to the Gulf.

United Arab Emirates

UAE ambassador confident US F-35 deal will be fulfilled

"You can't … take tools away from your partners who are expected to do more," Ambassador Yousef al-Otaiba said Monday.

United Arab Emirates

Kushner, Berkowitz nominated for Nobel Peace Prize for Israel-Arab deals

The two received the nomination for their work on Israel’s normalization deals with Arab states. An activist from Western Sahara was also nominated.