Israel Tightens Ties With Arab Neighbors
Israel continues to strengthen its relations with the more friendly nations in its region. Israeli President Isaac Herzog plans to make the first-ever state visit to the United Arab Emirates on January 30–31. He will visit Abu Dhabi and Dubai while meeting with Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, other high-ranking UAE officials, and representatives of the Jewish community (jns.org). Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett made the first state visit to the UAE by an Israeli premier in December.
Israel has also been working with the United States to create a joint effort to promote tourism between their two nations and the Arab countries that have normalized relations with the Jewish state. Specifically, the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Jordan, and Egypt would reportedly take part in the tourism ventures (jns.org). The collaboration would help jumpstart tourism efforts after two years of limited to nonexistent tourism in Israel due to coronavirus-related policies.
The past 18 months of activity between Israel and these Arab nations have been an answer to prayer. Just 10 years ago this level of cooperation would have seemed impossible. Yet now Israel seems safe from threats of attack from these nations; in fact, they could now consider the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and perhaps Jordan and Egypt as allies. Good things come from Israel doing this type of business with these countries, and we hope that will lead to more stability in their region going forward.
