Israeli Prime Minister's Historic First Official Visit to UAE... Strengthening Anti-Iran Alliance

First Visit to an Arab League Country Since Establishment... Strengthening Military Cooperation
Mainly Discussed Response to Iran Nuclear Deal... Vigilance Against Iran's Nuclear Armament

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett made an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the first time in history. This is the first time an Israeli leader has visited an Arab League country since the founding of Israel. The two countries, which were once adversaries, are reported to have mainly discussed responses to the recently resumed negotiations to restore the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA - Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action). The two nations are expected to strengthen military cooperation in preparation for the possibility of Iran becoming a de facto nuclear power.

According to foreign media including the AP on the 13th (local time), Prime Minister Bennett held a two-hour face-to-face meeting with Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the de facto ruler of the UAE. The UAE state news agency WAM reported, "During this meeting, Crown Prince Mohammed expressed hope for peace in the Middle East and said that Prime Minister Bennett's visit would advance a cooperative relationship that positively impacts the peoples of both countries and the region."

Although the details of the talks were not disclosed, it is known that they mainly discussed future response measures related to the recently resumed Iran nuclear deal restoration negotiations between Iran and the six major countries. Amir Hayek, the Israeli ambassador to Abu Dhabi, did not specify the details of the meeting but stated, "The Prime Minister did not come here solely for the Iran issue."

Prime Minister Bennett's visit attracted more attention as it took place amid Israel and the United States signaling potential strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities if the Iran nuclear deal restoration talks fail. Recently, the Israeli military announced preparations for large-scale exercises in the Mediterranean in the first half of next year aimed at striking Iran's nuclear facilities, further escalating military tensions with Iran.

The UAE is also seeking to strengthen military cooperation with Israel as Iran's military threat intensifies. According to The New York Times (NYT), the two countries normalized diplomatic relations following the 'Abraham Accords' signed in September last year under the leadership of former U.S. President Donald Trump, with trade volume increasing more than twelvefold year-on-year to $600 million (approximately 709 billion KRW).

The UAE views Iran as the biggest obstacle to stability in the Arab region, as Iran supports armed groups across the Middle East, including the Palestinian militant group Hamas, Lebanon's Hezbollah, Syrian militias, and Yemen's Houthi rebels. The two countries are particularly expected to strengthen military cooperation to develop countermeasures against bombing drones primarily manufactured in Iran.

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