UAE Cultivates Ties With Israeli Opposition Ahead of Potential Post-Netanyahu Era

Abu Dhabi is reportedly preparing for various outcomes following upcoming Israeli elections, maintaining contact with key opposition figures including Benny Gantz, Yair Lapid, and Gadi Eisenkot, while continuing official relations with current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This strategic approach, detailed by Ben Caspit for Al-Monitor and cited by Israeli media, suggests the UAE is hedging its bets in anticipation of a potential shift in Israeli leadership. The UAE's interest reportedly extends to Gantz, Lapid, and Eisenkot, aiming to preserve open communication channels with influential Israeli politicians.

According to Israeli diplomatic sources, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan personally favors Lapid and Gantz over Netanyahu. Both Lapid and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett have had previous meetings with bin Zayed, with Bennett's 2021 visit marking a historic first. Eisenkot, a former IDF Chief of Staff and head of the National Unity Party, is also reportedly engaging with European, Arab, and Muslim nations, with high-level Arab representatives reportedly in contact with his circle.

Netanyahu's recent, initially secret, visit to the UAE, which included meetings with bin Zayed and top Israeli security officials, was reportedly undertaken under significant pressure from the Prime Minister's office. Netanyahu allegedly sought to publicly demonstrate his strong international ties and secure a denial or downplaying of reports that bin Zayed had warned him of an impending Hamas attack before October 7th. While the UAE has not confirmed or denied passing such a warning, sources indicate bin Zayed was keenly aware of Netanyahu's desire for a more definitive rebuttal.

The meeting, which occurred in a reportedly cool atmosphere with limited public coverage, also focused on regional security concerns, particularly Iran and the Houthi threat to Gulf states. Israel's security assistance, including missile interception and intelligence sharing, is seen as a key factor in the UAE's continued engagement. Despite potential political preferences, the UAE acknowledges Netanyahu's current position and Israel's regional security role.