Tags : #UAE #United_Arab_Emirates #Israel #normalization #Abraham_Deal #Gaza #Qatar #Angola
A confidential report, dated November 7, 2024, from a UAE Central Information Unit to senior leadership. The report revealed by saudi press assesses the state of Emirati-Israeli cooperation during 2024, concluding that Israeli conduct has been largely inappropriate, arrogant, and unprofessional. The report argues this requires a high-level, reciprocal response.
The report reviews 30 instances of Israeli interaction from Jan-Oct 2024. It classifies 19 (over half) as « inappropriate, » with 8 being « high-level » breaches and 11 « medium-level. »
Primary Complaint: The core issue is the Israeli side’s perceived « arrogance » and « condescension » in its communications and actions, which is seen as violating the spirit of cooperation and agreed protocols.
This behavior is assessed as damaging to bilateral relations and the interests of both peoples, necessitating a change from traditional diplomatic approaches.
The report supports its claims with several memoranda (labeled A through H) allegedly from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his office to UAE leaders (Mohammed bin Zayed and Abdullah bin Zayed). The UAE’s calculated, « restrained, » and « professional » responses are contrasted with the perceived Israeli tone.
Cited Examples of Alleged Israeli Conduct:
Demanding & Directive Tone: Orders to « raise intelligence levels » in Gaza and Qatar with tight deadlines, coupled with reminders that Israel provides « modern tools. » (Memos A & B)
Accusations & Threats: Accusing the UAE of a « stab in the back » for engaging in Gulf-Iranian diplomacy and criticizing the UAE’s UN vote for Palestinian membership. (Memos E & F)
Presumptuous Requests: Requesting permission to use UAE airspace to launch strikes on Iran and claiming UAE airports are at Israel’s disposal, later « corrected » as a misstatement. (Memos G & H)
Lack of Consultation: Making unilateral changes to joint military exercises in Angola and interfering in committee operations there. (Memo C & UAE response)
The report presents the UAE’s responses as consistently diplomatic, rational, and focused on de-escalation while firmly setting boundaries (e.g., refusing the use of its territory to strike Iran). The UAE positions itself as seeking to maintain the strategic relationship but insists on respectful and mutually agreed-upon cooperation.
Core Conclusion
The report urges the UAE leadership to fundamentally reconsider its traditional methods of dealing with Israel due to a pattern of disrespectful and non-reciprocal behavior. It advocates for a firm, « tit-for-tat » response to compel a change in Israeli conduct.