Netanyahu: "Talks with Arab leaders other than UAE... No change in West Bank annexation plan"

"Making History"... Israel May Establish Relations with Oman, Bahrain, Sudan, and Others

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who signed a peace agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has expressed his intention to establish official relations with other Arab countries such as Oman. However, Netanyahu emphasized that the peace agreement has not changed the plan to annex parts of the West Bank.

According to the Jerusalem Post and others on the 16th (local time), Netanyahu stated on Fox News that he is in talks with leaders of other Arab countries, including the UAE. Regarding relations with leaders of Oman and others, he said, "We are making history and changing history. This is good for both the United States and Israel."

At a cabinet meeting that day, Netanyahu said, "I expect more countries to join the circle of peace." He emphasized, "This is a historic change advancing peace with the Arab world and will eventually lead to substantial, serious, and secure peace with the Palestinians."

On the same day, Israeli Intelligence Minister Eli Cohen appeared on a radio show and said, "Following the peace agreement with the UAE, additional agreements will come," mentioning that there could be Arab countries and Muslim countries in Africa. He specifically explained that discussions are underway with Bahrain and Oman, and Sudan is also in talks.

However, Netanyahu stressed that he has not given up the West Bank annexation in exchange for the peace agreement with the UAE. In a video posted on his Facebook that day, he stated, "Currently, under the agreement with the UAE, Israel will not withdraw even 1㎡." He said, "According to my demand, the Trump plan includes applying Israeli sovereignty to a larger area of Judea and Samaria (the term Israel uses for the West Bank)," adding, "This plan has not changed."

He also claimed that the peace agreement between Israel and the UAE was possible because Israel is strong in free economy, military, and technology, stating, "This historic change advances peace with the Arab world and will eventually advance peace with the Palestinians." He also mentioned, "In the Middle East, the strong survive, and peace is made with the strong."

Earlier, when the peace agreement to normalize diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE was announced on the 13th under U.S. mediation, the UAE stated that Israel agreed to halt the West Bank annexation. However, Netanyahu argued that the West Bank annexation plan was only temporarily suspended at the request of U.S. President Donald Trump.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.