UAE’s Mohamed bin Zayed calls Israel’s Netanyahu amid tensions
The call follows continued rescheduling of Netanyahu’s trip to the UAE and the Gulf state’s criticism of new coalition.
The president of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ), spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone on Tuesday, amid public disagreements with the Israeli government on issues related to the Palestinians.
Netanyahu called Sheikh Mohamed, and the two discussed bilateral relations. They specifically spoke about the UAE-Israel free trade agreement and the United Nations climate conference, COP28, which will take place in the UAE in November, according to the official Emirates News Agency.
“His Highness affirmed the UAE’s ongoing commitment to bilateral relations with Israel, describing its cooperation as a strategic approach to peace and development, which is an aspiration for the entire region,” the outlet reported.
Why it matters: The conversation marked the first time — at least officially — that MBZ and Netanyahu spoke since the latter returned to office in late December. MBZ also congratulated Netanyahu on his inauguration.
