Israel's President Makes Historic Visit to UAE amid Rising Tensions with Iran
-
Updated
Feb 01, 2022
![]()
The president of Israel is visiting the United Arab Emirates for the first time in what’s being called a historic step toward a partnership between Israel and the Arab nation.
Meanwhile, tensions are strained between Iran and other countries as rebels continue attacks.
According to CBN News, the UAE says it destroyed a missile launch site in Yemen on Monday after it also shot down a missile that was fired by Houthi rebels, a group supported by Iran.
The attack came as Israeli President Isaac Herzog and his wife, First Lady Michal Herzog, visited the capital in the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE and Israel signed a historic peace agreement, the Abraham Accords, in 2020.
Herzog reportedly met with the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
“This visit is an expression, as you said correctly, your highness, of the vision and dream of peace and the spirit of peace, which we bring to the entire region,” Herzog said.
“We are two successful nations who started with very little in our hands, developed our lands into a successful paradise and in many ways set an example to the world of how to lead and develop a nation with a vision of the future,” he added. “This sends a message to the entire region that there is an alternative of peace and living together, and that the sons and daughters of Abraham can reside and dwell together in peaceful coexistence for the benefit of humanity.”
Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed said he was thankful for the meeting and Israel’s support of the UAE.
“It is a stance that demonstrates our common view of the threats to regional stability and peace, particularly those posed by militias and terrorist forces, as well as our shared understanding of the importance of taking a firm stance against them.”
The meeting’s timing was significant, said Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yossi Kuperwasser, senior project manager for the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs.
“It comes at a time when both Israel and the United Arab Emirates are under attack from radicals,” he said. “We have to stand together in facing those threats of the radicals.”
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Ilia Yefimovich/Stringer
Amanda Casanova is a writer living in Dallas, Texas. She has covered news for ChristianHeadlines.com since 2014. She has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report and IBelieve.com. She blogs at The Migraine Runner.
