UAE FM to warn Israel’s Netanyahu against annexation in New York meeting: Official
The UAE’s top diplomat will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday evening to brief him on US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza and deliver a warning over any move to annex the West Bank, an Emirati official said.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed is set to meet Netanyahu in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Earlier in the day, Netanyahu slammed countries that recognized the State of Palestine this week and attempted to slam the door shut on any efforts for a two-state solution or put an end to the war in Gaza.
But Sheikh Abdullah will discuss Trump’s “courageous plan,” which was presented to Arab and Muslim leaders during a meeting this week. “His Highness will stress the historic opportunity this represents for Palestinians, Israelis, and the wider region, and the urgency of rallying behind President Trump’s bold leadership to achieve this necessary breakthrough,” an Emirati official said.
While Israel has vowed to annex the West Bank, Gulf states, including those that have normalized ties with Israel, have warned that this would constitute a red line. The UAE, a member of the Abraham Accords brokered under the first Trump administration, has said there would be consequences.
Trump also pledged not to allow Israel to annex the West Bank. He will meet with Netanyahu at the White House next week to discuss ending the war in Gaza.
The Emirati official told Al Arabiya English that Sheikh Abdullah would reaffirm Abu Dhabi’s commitment to the accords as well as the potential to broaden them. But he will also convey the UAE’s “grave concern over recent developments, including actions that threaten the prospects for a two-state solution.
“He will caution against dangerous steps, such as the blatant attack on Qatar, and annexation, that could put at risk this historic achievement,” the official added.
Additionally, the Emirati foreign minister is expected to underline the urgent need to increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza and ensure it reaches civilians quickly and effectively.
Al Arabiya English earlier published details of Trump’s plan, which includes an immediate end to the war and the release of hostages from Gaza.
