Ben Gvir Stands Firm Against Palestinian Authority Presence at Jerusalem Hospital Event Despite Netanyahu and UAE Pressure
Ahead of the inauguration of a maternity ward in East Jerusalem, a rare confrontation unfolded involving Israeli Interior Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The event was initially planned to include senior Palestinian Authority (PA) officials, but Ben Gvir, empowered by a police order backed by Shin Bet intelligence, insisted that no PA representatives be allowed to attend.
Netanyahu's office feared that the presence of PA officials could spark a diplomatic incident with the UAE, especially if Israeli police had to intervene to separate PA members from Emirati diplomats, potentially causing a public relations crisis. Despite these concerns and direct pressure from the UAE embassy, including a senior advisor to the Emirati ambassador who personally urged Ben Gvir to permit the event, the minister refused to relent without a firm guarantee that no PA officials would be present.
Ben Gvir communicated to the police that the event would be canceled if PA representatives attended. The police relayed this ultimatum to the hospital, leading to the cancellation of the PA's participation. Ultimately, the inauguration took place at Al-Makassed Hospital without any PA presence, though Emirati diplomats did attend. Invitations to PA officials were rescinded.
Sources indicate that the Netanyahu office's intervention came after Emirati pressure on the Israeli government. A senior official confirmed that Netanyahu was aware and that his office acted following UAE demands. Ben Gvir's team stated that "terrorist PLO members have no place in Jerusalem," emphasizing that the incident demonstrated Israel's ability to assert sovereignty and governance without harming relations with friendly countries.
This episode highlights the complex balancing act between Israeli domestic political decisions, Palestinian Authority relations, and diplomatic ties with the UAE, especially in sensitive Jerusalem contexts.
