From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Foreign Minister Sa’ar meets with Emirati counterpart in Abu Dhabi
Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar meets his Emirati counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed in the latter’s Abu Dhabi palace, according to Sa’ar’s office.
The two diplomats will “discuss regional developments and bilateral relations between the countries,” says the Foreign Ministry.
Bin Zayed invited Sa’ar to make the trip, according to Israel.
The public nature of the trip during the war in Gaza is surprising. The UAE has maintained full diplomatic ties with Israel, but has drawn back from public visits and initiatives with Israel, as the public is firmly opposed to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Bin Zayed hosted new Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani in Abu Dhabi yesterday.
According to Reuters, the UAE has also discussed with Israel and the United States participating in a provisional administration of post-war Gaza until a reformed Palestinian Authority is able to take charge, according to people familiar with the talks.
The behind-the-scenes discussions included the possibility of the UAE and the US, along with other nations, temporarily overseeing the governance, security, and reconstruction of Gaza after the Israeli military withdraws and until a Palestinian administration is able to take over, a dozen foreign diplomats and Western officials told Reuters.
Similar talks were also reported to have taken place last July.
