Israel and the UAE agree to establish full diplomatic ties.
Israel and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to establish full diplomatic ties in a deal under which Israel will “suspend” its plans to annex parts of the Palestinian territories.
US President Donald Trump announced the deal on Thursday which will see the two countries begin cooperation on a broad range of areas including tourism, education, healthcare, trade and security.
Although it may take a little time for everything to be put into place, analysts predict that Israeli’s will be able to vacation in Dubai and Abu Dhabi relatively soon.
The UAE is the first Gulf state and the third Arab nation – after Egypt and Jordan – to announce active ties with Israel.
While Emirates, Etihad Airways and flydubai would be able to take full advantage of non-stop flights between the two countries, El Al, Israel’s flag carrier, would not as it would face several airspace issues, particularity over Saudi Arabia.
In a TV address Mr Netanyahu, who is enjoying praise for the deal in his own country, reminded Israelis that he had “delayed” West Bank annexation plans, but those plans remain “on the table”.
Palestinian leaders were reportedly taken by surprise, describing the deal as “treason”.
The Palestinian politician Hanan Ashrawi accused the UAE of abandoning the Palestinians, tweeting: “May you never experience the agony of having your country stolen; may you never feel the pain of living in captivity under occupation; may you never witness the demolition of your home or murder of your loved ones. May you never be sold out by your ‘friends.”
Turkey and Iran said history and the collective conscience of people in the Middle East will not forget and forgive the “hypocritical behaviour” of the UAE in agreeing to normalise ties with Israel.
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