UAE Preparing for Post-Netanyahu Era, Favoring Rivals, Diplomat Claims

A senior Israeli diplomat revealed that the United Arab Emirates is preparing for a political future without Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, showing a preference for his rivals and expressing interest in figures like former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot. According to the diplomat, Eisenkot has been receiving meeting requests from European and Arab nations, indicating growing international attention.

The report also references previous claims by the Jerusalem Post that Arab officials have held discussions with associates of Eisenkot, while maintaining contact with former Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid. This suggests a broader engagement by UAE and other Arab entities with various Israeli political figures.

Netanyahu reportedly pushed for his recent meeting with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed to be public, aiming to project an image of strong international ties and avoid isolation. However, the meeting, which was initially postponed and nearly canceled, was described as "cold and limited" by political sources.

Despite the political maneuvering, the core of the discussion between Netanyahu and bin Zayed focused on Iran and the Houthi threat to the region. Israeli security assistance, including missile defense systems and intelligence sharing, is believed to have been a key factor in bin Zayed's eventual agreement to the meeting.

An former Israeli diplomat noted that even if the UAE is hesitant to back Netanyahu politically, they cannot ignore him as long as he is prime minister, given the ongoing regional security concerns, particularly regarding Iran. Israel is currently seen as the region's sole insurance policy.