UAE criticizes Netanyahu’s suggestion of involvement in Gaza governance

UAE Criticizes Netanyahu’s Gaza Governance Proposal, Straining Relations Further

The United Arab Emirates sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday following his suggestion that the Gulf state could play a role in assisting a potential government in Gaza after the ongoing conflict. Despite being among the few Arab nations with formal diplomatic relations with Israel, the UAE has seen strains in their relationship during Israel’s prolonged war in Gaza.

Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed strong disapproval of Netanyahu’s remarks in an early morning statement on X, emphasizing that Abu Dhabi denounced the Israeli leader’s proposal. “The UAE stresses that the Israeli prime minister does not have any legal capacity to take this step, and the UAE refuses to be drawn into any plan aimed at providing cover for the Israeli presence in the Gaza Strip,” he asserted in an Arabic post.

Sheikh Abdullah affirmed that the UAE would be willing to support a Palestinian government that genuinely reflected the aspirations and desires of the Palestinian people, particularly in achieving independence. This stance contrasts with Netanyahu’s government, which opposes the idea of an independent Palestinian state and insists on maintaining security control over Gaza even after the conflict subsides.

In an interview broadcast earlier in the week, Netanyahu suggested that the UAE, along with Saudi Arabia and other regional countries, could potentially aid in establishing a civilian administration in Gaza post-war. However, this notion faces significant opposition within Netanyahu’s own cabinet, as well as from Palestinian officials who aspire to establish an independent state encompassing the West Bank and Gaza – a goal supported by the UAE.

Relations between Abu Dhabi and Netanyahu have reportedly deteriorated during the course of the military campaign, with Emirati officials now seldom engaging with the Israeli leader. Despite this rift, the UAE has consistently criticized Israel over the high civilian casualties in Gaza, while asserting that diplomatic channels have facilitated the delivery of aid to the beleaguered territory.