The Prime Minister of Israel makes the first visit to the UAE since the formalization of relations

FILE PHOTO: Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett holds a cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister’s office in Jerusalem, Israel, December 5, 2021. Gil Cohen-Magen / Pool via REUTERS

December 12, 2021

By Dan Williams

JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett will tour the United Arab Emirates on Sunday and meet the Gulf nation’s de facto rulers in the highest-level visit since the two countries’ summits. formalized the relationship last year.

The trip comes amid rising regional tensions as world powers are trying to extend the nuclear deal with Iran. Israel and several Gulf Arab countries share concerns about Iran’s activities in the region.

“Today I will travel to the United Arab Emirates, for the first visit by an Israeli prime minister,” Bennett said during a meeting of his cabinet on Sunday.

No immediate confirmation from Abu Dhabi.

The UAE along with Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco have moved towards normalization of relations with Israel under a US-funded initiative dubbed the “Abraham Agreement” in reference to the biblical patriarch, recognized by the Jews, Religious and Muslim reverence.

Bennett’s trip on Sunday will be the first by an Israeli prime minister to any of those four countries.

He will meet Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan on Monday, Bennett’s office said.

The two leaders will discuss deepening ties, with emphasis on economic issues that will contribute to the comprehensive prosperity, welfare and stability of the countries, Israel said. added.

(Reporting by Dan Williams, Rami Ayyub Editing by Ari Rabinovitch)