In a first since normalization, Netanyahu expected to visit UAE: Media

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
1 Jan 23:26
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Israeli media say Israeli occupation PM Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to visit the UAE and meet with a number of senior officials.

Israeli occupation PM Benjamin Netanyahu with UAE FM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Israeli media reported that newly inaugurated Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to head to the United Arab Emirates for the first time since the signing of the normalization agreements that took place during his previous premiership.

Yedioth Ahronoth said the exact timing of the visit is currently being discussed between the two sides but could be as early as next week.

The media outlet said Netanyahu will be accompanied by the new head of the so-called "National" Security Council, Tzachi Hanegbi, and other ministers in the new Israeli occupation government, adding that at the heart of Netanyahu's visit will be the Iranian file, in addition to strengthening relations between "Israel" and the UAE, in preparation for the next stage in the signed agreements.

According to the Israeli media, Netanyahu is expected to meet with a group of leaders and senior officials in the Emirati government headed by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

On Saturday, bin Zayed Al Nahyan called Netanyahu to congratulate him on his inauguration, the official Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

"Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed expressed his aspiration to strengthen bilateral relations, especially in the development fields, and to push forward the path of partnership and peace between the two countries", WAM said.

Similarly, the news agency said that UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan called his newly-inaugurated Israeli occupation counterpart Eli Cohen to congratulate him.

In mid-November, Netanyahu said that bin Zayed Al Nahyan invited him for a visit to deepen normalization ties.

It is noteworthy that the UAE was the first Gulf country and the third Arab country to sign an agreement to normalize relations with the Israeli occupation, followed by Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco.

Since signing the agreement, the UAE and the Israeli occupation have long been exchanging visits and concluding a number of trade and security agreements.

In late October, Israeli media reported that the UAE has deployed the Israeli-made Barak anti-air system against Iranian ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones.

The missile battery is reportedly stationed south of Abu-Dhabi, close to the Al-Dhafra airbase, as per satellite images.