Bennett leaves for Abu Dhabi • Katz: It's easier to tour palaces than to visit 'Yamina' centers'

December 12, 2021   

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett will depart this (Sunday) afternoon for a visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he will meet with Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed. The vaccine for children aged 5-11 is recommended by doctors: a special response for parents At the last minute, the journalists' participation in the visit was canceled. The reason: the spread of the Omicron virus worldwide. In addition, the Prime Minister's entourage has been significantly reduced, and only senior staff are expected to fly with him. The intended schedule has also been shortened. The Prime Minister's Office's announcement regarding the official visit states that he is expected to discuss with Sheikh bin Zayed "deepening ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, with an emphasis on economic and regional issues that will contribute to prosperity, well-being, and strengthening stability between the countries." The visit comes against the backdrop of the warming of relations between the United Arab Emirates and Iran, which was reported this week, and included a meeting between senior officials from the two countries. A senior official in the political system told Israel Hayom that the development is very disturbing. "The Israeli official attributed the Emirates' turn toward Iran to American weakness. "The Abraham Accords were born because the United States broadcast that it was strong and could be trusted. When this is not the case, the parties draw conclusions." This morning, Israel Hayom reported that the United Arab Emirates is pressuring Israel to sell it air defense systems worth billions of dollars. At this point, Israel is refusing. Sources in Jerusalem fear that due to the recent rapprochement between the Emirates and Iran, which is of great concern to Israel, there will be renewed pressure from Abu Dhabi to implement the deal. The UAE's desire for advanced air defense batteries developed by Israel, especially Iron Dome and Magic Wand, began before the Abraham Accords. Other countries that do not have agreements with Israel, such as Saudi Arabia, have also expressed great interest in such a security deal. Former Foreign Minister, MK Yisrael Katz, responded: "Bennett is flying to Abu Dhabi today to enjoy the fruits of peace. It is easier to tour the palaces of the Gulf princes than to visit Givat Shmuel, Efrat and the other concentrations of Yamina voters whom he deceived in the elections.".