Israel's Envoy to UAE Predicts New Abraham Accords Signatory Soon

Israel's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Yossi Shelley, anticipates that another country will join the Abraham Accords within four to six months. In an interview with Kan Reshet Bet, Shelley identified Kuwait as a potential candidate, suggesting "perhaps a surprise awaits us. The Kuwaitis are beginning to understand that something has happened, and perhaps they are the next swallow." He also stated that Israel is working to strengthen cooperation with the UAE.

Shelley, formerly Director-General of the Prime Minister's Office, addressed reports claiming UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before the October 7th attack. Shelley vehemently denied these claims, stating, "I don't recall any warning or discussion about it. Who am I, sitting in several cabinets? I have never heard this thing, not in March, not in April, not in May, nor in June." According to the ambassador, these reports did not harm relations between the countries, and the issue "passed as if it never happened."

He described a trend of strengthening relations, evidenced by mutual visits. "Some are reported and some are not, because naturally, our region is quite sensitive," Shelley explained, concluding that "the most important thing is that we are on the rise."