UAE ends Israeli boycott

The UAE and Israel are establishing bilateral relations among themselves at a galloping pace, but this has also divided the Muslim world and created a new rift. The UAE has filed a complaint in the UN Security Council accusing Turkey of spreading discord among Arab countries.

On August 13, UAE and Israel made the shocking decision to set up bilateral ties as part of a Washington-brokered peace deal. In less than a month, there has been considerable progress as both countries seek cooperation in diverse fields. In the latest decision, the UAE has revoked a decades-old law calling for the boycott of Israel. This will allow Emirati firms to do business with Israel-based companies while the volume of trade between the two countries is expected to be over $4 billion. The pace at which ties are developing has shocked many countries around the world.

The next step would be to open direct flights between the two countries. In a historic decision, the first commercial from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi is set to take off. The Israeli-carrier maiden flight will be carrying an American and Israeli delegation led by President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, who is leading the talks and is presumed to have a vital role in establishing these relations.

The purpose of the visit is not just to cement these relations and find new business avenues but rather to find a date for the formal signing ceremony. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Zayed possibly in Washington for the historic moment. This would be happening as the Palestinian issue calling for an independent state remains in the doldrums while the UAE and possibly other Arab countries establish ties with the Jewish state.

On the other hand, the Muslim world stands divided and fragmented than ever before. The UAE has approached the UNSC complaining against Turkey and accusing it of creating discord among Arab allies. Erdogan had strongly rebuked the UAE for the peace deal and had threatened to sever ties. Now the powerful Middle Eastern nation is threatening to show its clout. This may provide an opportunity to those who are looking to widen the gap between Muslim countries while they chase narrow vested interests.