Israeli diplomatic post will boost UAE ties

Subject

Israel-UAE relations.

Significance

The opening of an Israeli diplomatic mission accredited to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi last month placed a spotlight on the indirect and discrete connections between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Israel and the UAE have long aligned on a range of defence and security issues, and maintained a low-level trading relationship. Direct political ties remain a non-starter so long as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues. However, shared concern over shifts in the regional landscape, notably the perceived empowerment of Iran and Islamism, has provided added impetus for cooperation.

Impacts

• UAE policy on Israel will be shaped by security hawks in Abu Dhabi who prioritise shared interests in stability over the Palestinian issue.
• Deep scepticism in Israel and the UAE over the future of US policy in the region is likely to deepen their defence and security ties.
• The Israeli-Palestinian conflict will fall further down the Gulf Arab states' regional agenda.