Relationship normalization: Emirates open embassy in Israel

Israeli President Herzog speaks of an “important step for the entire Middle East”: After establishing diplomatic relations, the United Arab Emirates became the first Gulf state to open an embassy in Israel.

The United Arab Emirates became the first Gulf state to open an embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel. At a ceremony, Israel’s new President Isaak Herzog welcomed the first Ambassador of the Emirates, Mohammed al-Chaja. Herzog called the opening of the embassy in Tel Aviv an “important step for the entire Middle East” and spoke of a “milestone on our journey into the future, towards peaceful prosperity and security”.

Just a year ago, the idea that the flag of the Emirates would fly in Tel Aviv would have been “a distant dream,” said Herzog. Israel had already opened its embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

The Ambassador of the Emirates, Mohamed Al Khaja, pointed out that bilateral agreements in the economy, air transport, technology and culture had already been concluded. Israel’s head of state called the agreement with the United Arab Emirates “historic”. He urged that similar agreements be made with “other states that want peace with Israel”.

Last August, through the mediation of then US President Donald Trump, Israel and the Emirates announced the normalization of their relations and actually signed the agreement a month later. Until then, Egypt and Jordan were the only Arab states with diplomatic relations with Israel.

Since then, direct flight connections have been set up, ambassadors have been appointed and a variety of cooperation agreements have been made. In March, Abu Dhabi announced the establishment of a $ 10 billion investment fund to invest in Israel in strategically important sectors such as energy and water.

The Palestinians watch Israel’s rapprochement with the Arab world with suspicion. You want the two-state solution to be implemented first.