The United Arab Emirates summoned Israel's deputy ambassador on Friday, condemning what it called "hostile and unacceptable" actions following an Israeli strike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar. The move highlights growing friction between the two nations, which normalized ties in 2020 under the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords.
Emirati officials criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks urging Qatar to expel Hamas officials, warning such rhetoric "solidifies a situation that is unacceptable." Tensions had already simmered over Israel's proposed West Bank annexation plans, which the UAE previously labeled a "red line."
Qatar, hosting ongoing Gaza ceasefire talks mediated with Egypt and the U.S., called the attack on its soil "provocative." The incident comes ahead of an emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Doha this weekend to address Israel's actions. UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited Qatar post-attack, coordinating regional responses.
While Israel and the UAE maintain defense and economic partnerships worth billions, analysts note the dispute underscores challenges in balancing normalization with Arab public sentiment regarding Palestinian issues. No immediate response was issued by Israel's Foreign Ministry.
