In a briefing with Israeli reporters from Abu Dhabi, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid says the issue of Jerusalem did not arise in his talks with his Emirati counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Lapid also mentions that the United Arab Emirates can play a positive role in West Bank and Gaza, if the Palestinians desire to improve relations with Israel, but that, right now, that is not the case.
Lapid praises the statements the UAE made during last month’s 11-day round of fighting in Gaza, saying they were sharp and show how deeply they understand the situation.
On other matters, Lapid says he is not sitting around waiting for his turn as prime minister: “Israel has one prime minister.” Lapid is set to replace Naftali Bennett at the helm in August 2023.
Lapid adds that he has been hearing the vitriolic tone of debates in the Knesset, but that he chooses to use a more civilized tone.
“I’d rather be on the side that blesses” instead of curses, he says.
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