Minister’s tour of Abu Dhabi mosque highlights Israel’s diplomatic push in the Gulf
- PM Netanyahu had earlier made a surprise visit to Oman
- Israel sees Gulf states as its natural allies against Iran
An Israeli cabinet minister’s visit to Abu Dhabi’s grand mosque gave more momentum on Monday to Israel’s diplomatic push in the Gulf, where it sees Arab states as its natural allies against regional powerhouse Iran.
“I am happy that I was privileged to be the first senior official from Israel to sign the mosque’s guest book,” Sports Minister Miri Regev wrote on Facebook about the tour which she said took place on Sunday.
On Sunday, Regev, in the United Arab Emirates for a judo tournament, fought back tears after Israel’s team won gold in the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam – a feat which allowed the Israeli national anthem to be played in a country that does not formally recognise it.
Her attendance at the event and the judo win were portrayed in Israel as both diplomatic and sporting achievements in a region where prospective allies have been reluctant to lift the veil on what Israeli officials have said have been years of covert contacts.
Israel’s Communications Minister Ayoob Kara was due in Dubai on Monday to attend the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a United Nations agency.
Shining a rare spotlight on direct ties with Gulf states, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, announced on Friday he had just returned from a surprise visit to Oman, the first time an Israeli leader has visited the sultanate in 22 years.