First UAE delegation visits Israel amid Palestinian opposition
Palestinians continue to oppose the UAE's normalization with Israel, as UAE and Israeli officials sign agreement on visa-free travel in Tel Aviv today.
A delegation from the United Arab Emirates made a historic visit to Israel today, as Palestinian leaders continue to be angered by the new relationship between Israel and the Gulf state.
Emirati Finance Minister Obaid Humaid al-Tayer led his nation's delegation to Israel, in the first-ever visit by UAE officials. Israel and the UAE signed a series of agreements, including on aviation and science. US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin led the US delegation, which was received by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The meetings took place at Ben Gurion Airport due to COVID-19 concerns, The Associated Press reported.
The two countries also agreed to establish visa-free travel between each other. Only Jordan in the Arab world allowed Israelis to enter without a visa before this, and several countries in the region refuse entry to any citizens of Israel.
Israel and the UAE formally established relations in September at the White House. Since then, both countries have signed a series of agreements pledging stronger economic ties.
