Israeli minister on Dubai visit calls for 'peace'

Published October 30, 2018
Israeli Minister of Communications Ayoub Kara deliveres a speech during the International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference in Dubai, on October 30. — AFP
Israeli Minister of Communications Ayoub Kara deliveres a speech during the International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference in Dubai, on October 30. — AFP

Israel's communications minister called for "peace and security" on Tuesday during a visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as his country launches an unprecedented diplomatic push into Gulf states.

"Peace and security in every state with economic and scientific progress is what guarantees a future for the coming generations," Ayoub Kara said at a telecommunications conference in Dubai.

Kara's statement comes amid a diplomatic push by Israel in the mainly Sunni Gulf, which Israel sees as an ally against Shia power Iran.

It follows visits by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Oman on Thursday and Culture Minister Miri Regev to Abu Dhabi at the weekend.

Neither Oman nor the UAE has diplomatic ties with Israel.

Normalising ties with Israel — or recognising it as a state — remains the most controversial policy debate in the Arab world, which largely boycotts Israel over its occupation of Palestinian territory.

Regev, known for controversial comments about Arabs, on Sunday toured the famed Sheikh Zayed mosque in Abu Dhabi — wearing a red full-length abaya and white headscarf and speaking to the camera in Hebrew.

"This is the first time that an Israeli minister is here on a visit," Regev said, surrounded by a group of people in traditional Emirati dress.

Regev is a member of Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party.

Israel's national anthem was also played at a judo tournament in Abu Dhabi on Sunday after one of its athletes won gold — believed to be the first time the anthem has been played publicly in an Arab Gulf state.

Netanyahu has long sought a rapprochement with Arab states, citing in part concerns over their common enemy Iran.

Jordan and Egypt are the only two Arab states to have full diplomatic relations with Israel.

The Palestinian Central Council, a body of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) , on Monday authorised the PLO to suspend recognition of Israel and stop security coordination with the Jewish state.

Palestinian authorities have accused Israel of excessive force after an air strike killed three teenagers on the Gaza border on Sunday.

Another Palestinian was shot dead by Israeli fire in Gaza border clashes on Monday.

Kara was speaking at the International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference in Dubai on Tuesday.

Opinion

First line of defence

First line of defence

Pakistan’s foreign service has long needed reform to be able to adapt to global changes and leverage opportunities in a more multipolar world.

Editorial

Eid amidst crises
Updated 31 Mar, 2025

Eid amidst crises

Until the Muslim world takes practical steps to end these atrocities, these besieged populations will see no joy.
Women’s rights
Updated 01 Apr, 2025

Women’s rights

Such judgements, and others directly impacting women’s rights should be given more airtime in media.
Not helping
Updated 02 Apr, 2025

Not helping

If it's committed to peace in Balochistan, the state must draw a line between militancy and legitimate protest.
Hard habits
Updated 30 Mar, 2025

Hard habits

Their job is to ensure that social pressures do not build to the point where problems like militancy and terrorism become a national headache.
Dreams of gold
30 Mar, 2025

Dreams of gold

PROSPECTS of the Reko Diq project taking off soon seem to have brightened lately following the completion of the...
No invitation
30 Mar, 2025

No invitation

FOR all of Pakistan’s hockey struggles, including their failure to qualify for the Olympics and World Cup as well...