Israeli settler leaders hail cooperation with UAE in first trip to Abu Dhabi

According to Israeli media reports, a delegation of Israeli settlement leaders visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) earlier this week and met with senior UAE government officials. The visit aimed to explore opportunities for cooperation between the two sides in areas such as economy, security, and diplomacy. This engagement signifies a growing normalization of relations despite ongoing regional complexities.

Israeli news website 0404 News reported on Thursday that the delegation included Yisrael Gantz, chairman of the Yesha Council (an umbrella organization of municipal councils in West Bank settlements), Eliram Azulai, representative of the Mount Hebron Regional Council settlement, and Omer Lahamim, CEO of the Yesha Council. The settlement leaders also attended an Iftar dinner held at the residence of Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, a senior member of the UAE's Federal National Council. These meetings highlight the increasing dialogue between Israeli and Emirati officials.

Gantz stated that cooperation with the UAE is a key factor in strengthening the settlements. "The visit to the UAE proves the need for regional change and new thinking," Gantz said. "Inter-state cooperation based on mutual respect and recognition of reality is the way to strengthen the settlements and ensure a strong future for both countries." He also thanked Dr. Nuaimi for his "warmth and personal invitation" and "generous hospitality." This collaboration aims to foster economic growth and stability in the region.

Azulai described the visit as "an important step in strengthening the settlements." According to The Jewish Chronicle, Azulai said: "It is unbelievable that there are brave leaders who want to hear firsthand about the situation in our communities, towns and the development of the West Bank." He also stated that he met with leaders in the UAE who are with him in the fight against Hamas, Hezbollah, the Muslim Brotherhood, and Iran. Such partnerships are viewed as crucial for regional security and stability.

According to Azulai, these leaders also expressed support for combating the Palestinian Authority's education system, which "preaches evil and hatred of Jews." Israeli criticism of Palestinian textbooks often refers to curricula that teach and promote Palestinian statehood and patriotism. Approximately 700,000 Israeli settlers reside in about 300 illegal settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, all of which have been built since Israel occupied these territories in 1967. Under international law, the construction of settlements in occupied territory is illegal. This issue remains a significant point of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.