Gargash: UAE not part of 'internal electioneering' for Israel

Diplomatic adviser to the UAE President says Abraham Accord fosters peace and prosperity

The UAE's diplomatic adviser to the president, Anwar Gargash, is seen during meeting in Jeddah,in 2019. Reuters

Dr Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic adviser to UAE President Sheikh Khalifa, said that the UAE will not be pulled into the internal dynamics of Israeli politics as the country heads to the polls on March 23.

This will be the fourth election in two years, as political parties continue to wrangle for control.

Dr Gargash praised the Abraham Accord, which was agreed upon to establish ties between Israel and the Emirates.

"From the UAE’s perspective, the purpose of the Abrahamic Accord is to provide a robust strategic foundation to foster peace and prosperity with the State of Israel and in the wider region," he tweeted on Wednesday.

"The UAE will not be a part in any internal electioneering in Israel, now or ever."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was criticised domestically for trying to use the historic agreement and potential meetings with senior UAE officials to boost his election prospects and distract attention from his trial on corruption charges.

Israeli media reported that the prime minister was planning a trip to the UAE, but the UAE has not confirmed any visit by the prime minister.

Mr Netanyahu denied a renewed trip was planned this week, telling Radio Galey Israel: "I'm not going to Abu Dhabi before the election. It's spin. I don't know who spread it."

Israel's Channel 12 TV station reported on Sunday that Foreign Ministry sources said Mr Netanyahu had intervened to stop Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi from travelling to the UAE to open diplomatic missions because he wanted to travel there himself first.

Mr Ashkenazi is a member of the Blue and White party, a rival to Mr Netanyahu's Likud in the coming election.