Netanyahu hails historic peace with UAE, says more Arab countries will follow

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a televised speech this evening, announcing a historic comprehensive peace with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Netanyahu explained that delegations from both countries will meet in the coming days to discuss details for an agreement in all the relative fields, including the opening of mutual embassies, direct flights, cooperation in the battle against the coronavirus, environmental issues, energy and more. He also said that he believes other Arab countries would soon follow in the footsteps of the UAE.

Responding to questions by reporters, Netanyahu rejected the assertation that normalization with the UAE would be carried out in exchange for Israel giving up on annexation. The prime minister stressed that there is "no change in my plans for annexation, with full coordination with the US," explaining that he has always stressed that annexation could be carried out only with the agreement and support of Washington. He also said that he is still fully committed to his election promises of implementing Israeli sovereignty on Jewish settlements in the West Bank, adding that all sides involved in reaching normalization with the UAE agreed simply on suspending momentarily the issue of annexation. "I will never give up on our rights in our land,” said Netanyahu.