As confirmed cases increase in areas of the Middle East, the two countries are working together to stop the spread despite their political differences. Netanyahu: This cooperation will be in research and technology development, in areas that will improve the health security of the entire region.

With the spread of COVID-19 resurfacing in the Middle East (and several other regions of the world), Israel and the United Arab Emirates are working together to help combat the virus. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced this newfound partnership on Thursday.

Expounding on this announcement, he stated that “the Health Ministers of the United Arab Emirates and the State of Israel will announce cooperation in the fight against coronavirus. This cooperation will be in research and technology development, in areas that will improve the health security of the entire region.”

All of that being said, the outcome won’t be limited to just Israel and the UAE. Netanyahu believes that “This will bring a blessing to many in our region.” It’s worth noting that the UAE isn’t the first country in the region to reach out to Israel during this pandemic regarding their innovative nature and ability to solve problems. Most recently, it was revealed that Bahrain also consulted the Jewish State; specifically, Sheba Medical Center.

Political relations are currently under pressure amid Israel’s plans for the coming annexation of Judea & Samaria. However, countries like the UAE are finding that a long-term diplomatic relationship with Israel is far more important than the current Palestinian controversy.