The United Arab Emirates has declared that Israel can never be considered a friend by any Middle Eastern country

*The United Arab Emirates' Stance on Israel: A Complex Relationship*

In recent years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has navigated a complex relationship with Israel, marked by periods of cooperation and tension. While the two countries signed the Abraham Accords in 2020, normalizing diplomatic relations, the UAE has also made it clear that this does not necessarily imply a deep-seated friendship.

*A Nuanced Perspective*

According to Anwar Gargash, a diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, the country's normalization with Israel is contingent upon a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In a recent statement, Gargash emphasized that any Israeli annexation of Palestinian territories would be considered a "red line" for the UAE ¹ ².

This sentiment is echoed by Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE's assistant minister for political affairs, who stated that the Abraham Accords were intended to enable the UAE's continued support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate aspirations for an independent state. Nusseibeh emphasized that annexation in the West Bank would undermine the vision and spirit of the Accords, end the pursuit of regional integration, and alter the widely shared consensus on a two-state solution ¹.

*The UAE's Commitment to Palestinian Statehood*

The UAE's stance on Israel is also influenced by its commitment to Palestinian statehood. The country has consistently expressed support for a two-state solution, with Nusseibeh affirming that the UAE views the creation of a Palestinian state as essential for regional stability and peace.

In a broader context, the UAE's relationship with Israel reflects the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics. While the Abraham Accords have facilitated cooperation between the two countries, the UAE's position on Palestinian statehood and Israeli annexation plans remains a point of contention ¹ ³.

*Regional Dynamics and Future Prospects*

The UAE's stance on Israel is also shaped by regional dynamics, particularly the country's relationships with other Arab states and Iran. As the Middle East continues to evolve, the UAE's approach to Israel will likely remain nuanced, balancing cooperation with a commitment to Palestinian statehood and regional stability.

In conclusion, while the UAE has normalized relations with Israel, it has made it clear that this does not imply a deep-seated friendship. The country's stance is shaped by its commitment to Palestinian statehood, regional dynamics, and a nuanced approach to international relations.

=

=

*Key Takeaways:*

- *UAE's stance on Israel*: The UAE has normalized relations with Israel but maintains that this does not imply a deep-seated friendship.

- *Annexation and Palestinian statehood*: The UAE views Israeli annexation of Palestinian territories as a "red line" and supports a two-state solution.

- *Regional dynamics*: The UAE's relationship with Israel is shaped by regional dynamics, including relationships with other Arab states and Iran.

- *Commitment to Palestinian statehood*: The UAE remains committed to Palestinian statehood and views it as essential for regional stability and peace ¹ ² ³.