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Israel, UAE sign customs agreement as Emirati president hosts Naftali Bennett

Economic cooperation between the the UAE and Israel remains strong and they have now activated their free trade deal, despite heightened Emirati criticism on the Palestinian issue.
A customs agreement between Israel and the UAE is signed in the presence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on March 26, 2023.

Israel and the United Arab Emirates activated a major economic partnership agreement on Sunday, despite recent UAE criticism of the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu government this year on the ongoing escalation and rhetoric towards the Palestinians.

The agreement came ahead of former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett reportedly visiting in Abu Dhabi on Monday, where he was received by the UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed. The visit comes as the UAE continues to snub Netanyahu, who has still yet to visit the country since returning to power. 

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