Herzog expresses oblique criticism of Saudi Arabia at UAE iftar event in Tel Aviv

President Isaac Herzog issues oblique criticism of recent Saudi censure of the UAE and Israel, saying there are “nations spreading blasphemy and hate against both countries,” at an iftar dinner hosted by the Emirati embassy in Tel Aviv.

Saudi Arabia has intensified its public criticism of both countries recently in the wake of growing Saudi-UAE tensions in Yemen and in Africa.

Herzog calls UAE President Mohamed Bin Zayed “one of the most impressive, strong and wise leaders in our generation.”

The UAE, says Herzog, “has become an anchor of stability, prosperity and peace.”

שגריר איחוד האמירויות בישראל, מוחמד אל חאגה, אירח היום את סעודת האיפטאר המסורתית בתל אביב. במהלך האירוע, דיבר השגריר על סובלנות, שלום בין העמים ודו קיום. באירוע השתתפו נשיא המדינה, יצחק הרצוג, ושר החוץ, גדעון סער, יחד עם חברי כנסת, שייחים ומכובדים נוספים.
עוד לקחו חלק באירוע… pic.twitter.com/sqUk5Zxwwp

— roi kais • روعي كايس • רועי קייס (@kaisos1987) February 26, 2026

He also expresses Israel’s “love and admiration for the people of the UAE.”

“I wish the world could see this incredible picture,” says Herzog

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also attends the dinner and offers brief remarks.

The dinner at the Hilton hotel is a very public display of the UAE’s relationship with Israel, even as many of Israel’s Arab partners have taken pains to avoid public events with Israeli officials in the wake of the war in Gaza.

UAE Ambassador Mohamed Al Khaja and Bahraini Ambassador Khaled Al Jalahma were at Herzog’s iftar dinner on Tuesday.

The UAE event is also attended by a range of foreign ambassadors, Knesset members, Israeli diplomats, and local Muslim leaders.