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Bennett returns to Israel after positive meeting in UAE

A joint statement said it marked “another milestone in the development of warm relations and a tremendous partnership.”

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is greeted by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed at his private palace in Abu Dhabi, Dec. 13, 2021. Credit: Haim Zach/GPO.
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is greeted by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed at his private palace in Abu Dhabi, Dec. 13, 2021. Credit: Haim Zach/GPO.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said that he was “very optimistic” after his two-day trip to the United Arab Emirates and four-hour meeting with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi’s crown prince.

“I’m flying back to Israel very optimistic that this relationship can set an example of how we can make peace in the Middle East,” said Bennett.

This was the first official visit by an Israeli leader to the UAE with more than half of the extended meeting being one-on-one talks, reported the AP.

A joint statement said it marked “another milestone in the development of warm relations and a tremendous partnership.”

Issues on the table involved cooperation in trade, technology, the environment, tourism and a research-and-development fund.

While the Iranian threat that centers on nuclear development was not mentioned publically, it was likely discussed at some point. Bennett was expected to present information about the deployment of pro-Iranian militias and drone units recently discovered by Israeli intelligence.

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