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The United Arab Emirates passed a decree to officially eliminate its decades-long boycott of the Jewish state, clearing the way for a new peace accord with Israel.
By Ezra Stone, United with Israel
On Saturday, the United Arab Emirates passed a decree ending its boycott of Israel as part of a new peace deal to establish official diplomatic relations with the Jewish state.
The step clears the way for commerce, trade, travel, and cultural exchange between Israel and the UAE, which are two of the most technologically advanced nations in the Middle East.
The decree represents the next phase in the peace deal announced on August 13, which was brokered by the U.S. as part of its initiative to create stability in the Middle East and counteract the threat posed by Iran via its network of terror proxies and quest for nuclear weapons.
In reaction to the announcement by the UAE, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented, “I welcome the decision of United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed to cancel the law on boycotting products from Israel and economic contacts with Israelis.”
“This is an important step in promoting prosperity and peace in the region,” Netanyahu added.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi echoed the prime minister’s sentiments, calling the UAE decision a move that “will yield substantial economic and commercial achievements for both people while strengthening the stability in the region.”
Israel is home to one of the most successful and lucrative startup scenes in the world, which Emirati firms are eager to access.
Even prior to the peace agreement, Emirati cybersecurity leaders like DarkMatter reportedly had contracted with “Israeli military-trained hackers,” The Associated Press reported.
On Monday, the first direct commercial flight between Israel and the UAE will be flown by Israel’s national carrier El Al.
Top Israeli and U.S. dignitaries, including White House adviser Jared Kushner, are expected to be on the flight.
According to Elham Fakhro, International Crisis Group’s senior Gulf analyst, “The decision sends a clear message that the UAE is committed to its decision to normalize relations with Israel,” the AP reported. “It does also raise questions about possible repercussions for anyone in the country calling for the boycott of Israeli goods, now that doing so contradicts the state policy.”
After Egypt and Jordan, the UAE is now the third Arab country to establish official diplomatic ties with Israel.
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