The United Arab Emirates is considering a move that would effectively downgrade its diplomatic representation in Israel, Saudi news outlet Elaph reported Tuesday.
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According to the report, Abu Dhabi has been instructed its ambassador in Tel Aviv not to meet any Israeli official, lawmaker, or minister as well as skip out on official events with Israeli ministers and politicians in attendance.
Emirati sources told Elaph that Abu Dhabi was surprised by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's lack of response to the actions and statements of Religious Zionism Party lawmakers, which they view as harming the stability of the region, inflaming hatred, and serving only extremists.
In particular, it cited the statements of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich – leader of the Religious Zionism Party – who said during a speech in Paris this week that "there is no such thing as a Palestinian people", as well as his previous statement calling to "wipe out" the Palestinian village of Hawara, for which he ultimately apologized.
The report added that Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco are considering similar measures. However, an Israeli official quoted by Elaph said that there was no intention on behalf of the UAE to reduce ties with Israel.
The UAE was one of four Arab nations to normalize ties with Israel in 2020 as part of the US-brokered Abraham Accords.
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