UAE ambassador advises Israel against the annexation plan, warning of violence it would spark in the region

The UAE ambassador to United States, Yousef Al Otaiba, issued an advisory warning to Israel against its much debated annexation plan, aimed at seizing the Palestinian territory. The annexation plan was first proposed by US President Donald Trump as part of the Middle East peace plan and later vouched to execution by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israeli government would begin discussions on the annexation plan on July 1.

Al Otaiba, who published a video message in English and an op-ed in Hebrew, warned the Israeli leader against his ambitious plans for colonization, which he referred to as an ‘illegal takeover’. Al Otaiba said, “The annexation will certainly and immediately upend Israeli aspirations for improved security, economic and cultural ties with the Arab world and with UAE.” His statement was first reported in The National.

Refereeing to the UAE - Israeli ties, which have grown better over the years, UAE ambassador said that Netanyahu’s  annexation would put all that important progress at risk if he moved forward with the plans to exercise sovereignty over Israeli communities in Jordan Valley of the West Bank. Al Otaiba said that the plan would bring anything but peace and stability in the region. He said, “Normal is not annexation. Instead, annexation is a misguided provocation of another order. And continued talk of normalization would be just mistaken hope for better relations with the Arab states.”

In his op-ed UAE diplomat wrote, “All the time, we remain an ardent advocate for the Palestinian people and a long-time champion of the Arab Peace Initiative.” He added, “All the progress and the attitude shift that you have seen, people being less hostile to Israel, all of that could be undermined by the decision to annex.” As per the 2002, Arab Peace Initiative, the Arab world and Israel negotiated a two-state solution with the Palestinians in order to resolve the decades old conflict peacefully.

The Arabworld stood in support of Al Otaiba’s clear, direct, and pressing message emphasizing on peace and saving the region from increasing violence and extremism. Israel doesn’t not have direct diplomatic relations with any Arab nation besides Jordon and Egypt. Jordon has warned that any further move towards the annexation plan would lead to suspension of peace treaty with Israel. Amidst the brewing regional tension, Emirati diplomat’s appeal could be seen as a sign UAE welcoming setting formal ties with Israel if the latter takes back the annexation plan.

Responding to Al Otaiba’s op-ed, Israeli Foreign ministry Spokesman Lior Haiat said on Twitter: “Peace is an opportunity for the whole Middle East, and provides potential for us all.

“The U.S. Peace Initiative (Trump plan) is a starting point to realize this vision,” he added.