Herzog lauds cooperation with UAE in 'new Middle East'

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A new Middle East has been built and the world admires and respects the normalization agreements now, claimed Israeli occupation President Isaac Herzog on Thursday after receiving UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed in occupied Al-Quds.

The proclaimed "new Middle East" in question is one where normalization with the Israeli occupation is the norm, as per Herzog's standards, with his words commemorating the second anniversary of the signing of the infamous normalization agreements, which saw Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates normalizing ties with "Tel Aviv" under Washington's auspices.

"No one could have imagined this sort of cooperation 10 or 20 years ago when the Middle East's path was paved with conflicts," Herzog said at the official Presidential residence.

Meanwhile, bin Zayed said the UAE's ties with the Israeli occupation were "historic" while terming being in occupied Palestine "a privilege and an honor".

"I believe that in many ways, only few thought that these relations would be fruitful within two years," bin Zayed said.

Bin Zayed was accompanied by a high-level Emirati delegation on his visit set to last several days. The top UAE diplomat also signed the president's official guestbook and presented him with an official letter from Emirati President Mohammed bin Zayed.

The foreign minister met with Israeli occupation Prime Minister Yair Lapid, as well, who hailed him as a "friend" whose visit marked "another milestone in our nations' friendship."

"Together, we’re building a brighter future for all the people of our region," Lapid said, though it is highly certain that the people of Palestine will be left in the dark.

The UAE was the first Gulf state to normalize ties with "Israel", kicking off a wave of normalization that saw Bahrain, Sudan, and Morrocco swept by the tide.

The Israeli occupation and the United Arab Emirates have long been exchanging visits, drawing more and more criticism for the Arab nation that abandoned the Palestinian cause for economic and political gains.

"Israel" previously signed a non-double taxation treaty with the UAE, joining 58 treaties that "Israel" signed with several countries. The treaty aims to "encourage economic cooperation between countries, along with provisions relating to non-discrimination, exchange of information, prevention of exploitation, and the provision of reduced tax rates."

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These visits also come amid the deepening of ties between the Israeli occupation and several normalizing states, including Saudi Arabia, which analysts expect will soon normalize ties with "Israel".