Why the flydubai attempted hijacking could end up strengthening Israel, UAE ties – analysis
PELONI: The connection between Israel and the UAE has become an increasingly important outlier among Israel’s relations in the region and this is demonstrated by the strength of travel which exists between these two nations which is not just based around travel. From diplomatic projects in the Horn of Africa to the development of AI dominance to opposition to the Iranian menace, to economic investments and travel exchanges, the connections between Abu Dhabi and Jerusalem demonstrate a blossoming aspect between these two Abraham Accord partners. What goes unspoken in all of this however, is that the UAE uses its alliance partnership with Israel to confound Israel’s survival with its continued support for the well expired Two State Solution and it does this both directly with its influence with Israel and indirectly thru diplomatic partners in common between these two nations, not the least of which is to counted with the US which is a co-signatory of the AA. It is also notable that the UAE has maintained opposition to Israel’s war in Gaza even putting forward a motion calling for an end to the war in Gaza less than two months following October 7 and just a little more than a month after Israel began operations in Gaza. So the relationship is both important and complex. The move to enter into cooperation with Israel by the UAE was a bold move which was not entirely supported by Emerati citizens, which can easily be explained as an effort by the UAE to balance between domestic sentiments and its role in the AA. Nonetheless, while we can and should celebrate and take note of the importance of the relationship between Jerusalem and Abu Dhabi, it must be understood that this relationship has played an important role in raising support for a second Palestinian state, while ignoring the relevance of the already created Palestinian state which exists in Jordan. See additional reports on the relationship between Israel and the UAE below the article.
The challenges that this incident presents also likely provide opportunities, similar to how the US and Saudi Arabia were able to work together after Septembe 11.
By SETH J. FRANTZMAN | October 4, 2026
President Trump, Bahrain Foreign Min. Dr. Rashid Al-Zayani, Israeli PM Netanyahu and UAE FM Al Nahyan signs the Abraham Accords. Photo by The White House from Washington, DC, Public Domain, Wikipedia
On Sunday, Transportation Minister Miri Regev met with United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Israel Mohamed Al-Khaja. Both Regev and Khaja posted about the meeting on their X/Twitter social media accounts.
Image via AI
Image greated via AI.
