UAE's rulers prefer to keep their growing ties to Israel discreet

Key Points:

• Israel and the UAE have strengthened their alliance amid the Iran war, with Israel sending Iron Dome air-defense systems and personnel to the UAE, though the Gulf nation publicly denied Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s reported visit to Abu Dhabi.
• The UAE prefers to keep its relationship with Israel discreet due to widespread anti-Israel sentiment in the Arab and Muslim world, especially intensified by the ongoing Gaza conflict and regional tensions involving Iran-backed groups.
• The Israel-UAE alliance provides strategic military benefits, with Israel gaining a presence closer to Iran and the UAE accessing advanced Israeli defense technology, while also boosting economic ties and regional legitimacy for both countries.
• Netanyahu publicized his UAE visit to bolster his domestic political standing and promote Israel as a key regional power broker, hoping to encourage other countries to join the Abraham Accords, though major players like Saudi Arabia remain cautious and maintain independent diplomatic approaches.
• Saudi Arabia has avoided entanglement in the Iran war by maintaining communication with Tehran and supporting mediation efforts, signaling a preference for a regional security framework developed by Middle Eastern countries rather than external powers.