UAE Envoy Warns Israeli Annexation Would ‘Upend’ Arab Ties
- UAE Envoy Warns Israeli Annexation Would ‘Upend’ Arab Ties
by JOSEPH KRAUSS, https://apnews.com/
JERUSALEM (AP) — The United Arab Emirates’ ambassador to the U.S. on Friday warned Israel against annexing the Jordan Valley and other parts of the occupied West Bank, saying the move would “upend” Israel’s efforts to improve ties with Arab countries.
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A former Israeli prime minister meanwhile dismissed arguments that Israel must maintain control of the Jordan Valley for security purposes as “nonsense.”
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UAE envoy Yousef al-Otaiba was among three Arab ambassadors who attended President Donald Trump’s January unveiling of his Mideast plan, which allows Israel to annex around 30% of the West Bank and was immediately rejected by the Palestinians.
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In an editorial published by Israel’s Yediot Aharonot newspaper, al-Otaiba warned that Israel’s planned annexation — a process that could begin as soon as July 1 — would “ignite violence and rouse extremists.”
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“It will send shock waves around the region, especially in Jordan whose stability — often taken for granted — benefits the entire region, particularly Israel,” al-Otaiba wrote. The UAE, a close and influential U.S. military ally, has been a major focus of Israel’s efforts in recent years to improve ties with Gulf Arab countries that share its concerns about Iran.
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The two countries have no formal diplomatic ties, but the Emirates have allowed Israeli officials to visit, and the Israeli national anthem was played after an athlete won gold in an Abu Dhabi judo tournament. Israel also has a small mission representing its interests at the International Renewable Energy Agency in Abu Dhabi.
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9 … I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a [a]synagogue of Satan.