This invitation is viewed as an opportunity to further strengthen the bond between the two countries; Rivlin gives high praise to the Emirati leader for making a decision that is facing so much backlash from the Arab world.
In the wake of the newly announced relationship between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Israeli President Reuven Rivlin has invited Emirati Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed to Jerusalem for a visit. Rivlin gave high praise to the Emirati leader, who made a courageous decision despite significant backlash from much of the Arab world; i.e. Iran, Turkey, and the Palestinians.
Rivlin took to Twitter stating, “I am hopeful that the agreement between our countries will help build and strengthen the trust between us and the peoples of the region, bring economic benefit and regional stability.” And it’s likely to do just that. Former enemies of Israel, Egypt and Jordan, are both now reaping the benefits of having a positive relationship with the Jewish State.
The UAE is the first Gulf state to announce normalized diplomatic relations with Israel.
Prior to the announcement, there were occasions when the two countries consulted each other or were some way involved, such as the 2020 Dubai Expo and the battle against COVID-19.
His official invitation to bin Zayed came when he said, “In my name and in the name of the people of Israel, I open the opportunity to extend to your Excellency an invitation to visit Israel and Jerusalem, as a distinguished and honored guest. The crystallized agreement between our two countries with the mediation of U.S. President Donald Trump which will soon be signed, constitutes a cornerstone, towards new paths in our region.”
Arabs from the Gulf region are taking note of how they’re being treated in the aftermath of this agreement, especially by the Palestinians, who are losing recognition in the region.
