Israeli minister: Suspending annexation of parts of the West Bank has nothing to do with Israel’s normalization deal with UAE
The Israeli Finance Minister Yisrael Katz said on Sunday that the decision to suspend the annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank has nothing to do with the so-called “peace” deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In remarks to the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation, Katz said that the annexation was already suspended before the announcement of a deal to normalize relations with the UAE.
“The deal may form a base for enhancing economic cooperation in the fields of up-to-date technology, science, economy and agriculture along with exchanging embassies,” he added.
He made it clear that the “UAE enjoys a greater economic development than that of Egypt and Jordan, thus Israel’s relation with the UAE and other Gulf states will create an important axis for Israel.”
The normalization agreement between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi culminates a long process of cooperation, coordination and mutual visits between the two sides.
The UAE is the first Gulf state to establish diplomatic relations with Israel
The UAE-Israeli deal was announced on Thursday by US President Donald Trump.
Hamda Mustafa