Israel is not simply a pal, however an ‘property’ to UAE: Israeli minister

Many Gulf states, consisting of the United Arab Emirates, see Israel as an “asset” due to the fact that the nation withstands Iran, an Israeli minister stated Tuesday, following recently’s contract for the UAE and Israel to stabilize diplomatic relations.

In an offer brokered by the U.S., the 2 nations would develop diplomatic ties, and Israel would pause its efforts to annex parts of the West Bank. Turkey and Palestinian authorities slammed the offer, however the UAE’s minister of state for foreign affairs called it a “win-win solution.”

Iran is a typical foe of a variety of nations in the Middle East, consisting of Israel, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Tzachi Hanegbi, a minister in the Israeli prime minister’s workplace, stated Gulf nations acknowledged that Israel was among the couple of powers that was challenging the “ongoing terrorist activity and terrorist policy by Iran.”

“They feel fragile, they feel, in a way, neglected,” he informed CNBC’s “Capital Connection,” indicating the “scandalous decision” by the United Nations to not extend the arms embargo on Iran. He stated Tehran was “still trying to take over the Middle East through bullying the Arab states.”

“They see Israel not only as a friend, they see us as an asset because we stand up to the Iranians, we fight them whenever it’s possible in Syria, in Lebanon or other places. We’re not ready to surrender to the whims of the Iranian regime,” he included.

Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not instantly react to a CNBC ask for remark.

President Donald Trump in 2015 designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a foreign terrorist company. Tehran struck back by calling the United States a terrorism fan and Centcom, the U.S. Central Command, a terrorist group. A Brookings Institution short article previously this year stated Iran’s assistance for many insurgent and rebel groups in the Middle East are a fundamental part of the nation’s diplomacy.

Hanegbi explained the UAE offer as a “breakthrough” and stated now was the time for the 2 “innovative” nations to discover common measures in numerous fields.

“In agriculture, in medicine, in trade, in energy — there are so many places where both of us can mutually benefit each other, and it really begins now,” he stated, keeping in mind that an Israeli company and an Emirati business had actually consented to comply on Covid-19 research study. “(The) sky’s the limit, in this sense.”

The UAE is just the 3rd Arab nation to have open diplomatic relations with Israel, and Hanegbi revealed wish for a treaty with Palestinians. Peace talks in between the 2 sides collapsed in 2014.

He stated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s technique was to construct relationships with other Arab leaders rather of awaiting settlements to reboot.

“Maybe this will convince the Palestinians that it’s time for them to do whatever Jordan and Egypt, now the UAE are willing to do. To see Israelis not as enemies but as friends, as assets to their well being, technology, security,” he stated. “We are very hopeful that maybe Palestinian leaders will now join forces with other Arab leaders and come back, negotiate with us.”

The minister stated an offer was “essential” due to the fact that Israelis cope with Palestinians. “They are not going to disappear, we are not going to disappear. We have to find a way to get a historic compromise with the Palestinians.”

Acknowledging that Palestinian authorities called the UAE-Israel deal a “betrayal,” Hanegbi stated it was discouraging and unfortunate. “They should be happy that the Arab world comes to its senses and understands that only by peaceful meeting, by cooperation, you will ensure the well-being of the people of this region,” he included. 

— CNBC’s Natasha Turak added to this report.