Netanyahu, Pompeo celebrate UAE agreement, push for more new ties

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo kicked off his regional tour by meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as well as Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi today in Israel. Pompeo and Netanyahu discussed the Washington-brokered deal reached with the United Arab Emirates and the prospects of normalizing ties with other Arab and Muslim countries.

After his Israel stop, the secretary of state is set to visit Bahrain and Sudan, where he is expected to raise the renewal of ties with Israel. Senior officials in Sudan have made contradictory statements over contacts with Jerusalem on renewing diplomatic ties.  Jerusalem was hoping for Bahrain to follow in the footsteps of the UAE, but some observers believe that after Saudi Arabia's rather chilly reaction to the deal, Bahrain might take its time.

In remarks after the meeting, Netanyahu and Pompeo hailed the UAE-Israel deal, with Netanyahu calling it “the alliance of the moderates against the radicals” and “a boon to peace and regional stability.” Netanyahu also said he hoped other countries will follow UAE and normalize ties with Israel. Pompeo stated, “I am hopeful that we will see other Arab nations join in this. The opportunity for them to work alongside, to recognize the State of Israel and to work alongside them, will not only increase Middle East stability but it will improve the lives for the people of their own countries as well.”

Netanyahus addressed the controversy over the United States selling F-35 fighter jets to the UAE, saying the normalization deal with the UAE “did not include Israel's acceptance [of] any arms deal. I don't know of any arms deal that has been agreed upon but our position hasn't changed.” Netanyahu said he reiterated his objections to Pompeo, who said he is strongly committed to maintaining Israel’s security and its military edge over countries in the region.