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Israel, UAE test potential for cooperation on COVID-19

The agreement signed between the United Arab Emirates' Group 42 and Israel’s IAI and Rafael companies offers a glimpse of the potential for cooperation -- if not deterred by annexation.
LONDON - SEPTEMBER 11:  The Rafael company logo is pictured during the Defence Systems and Equpment International (DSEi) at the Excel Centre on September 11, 2007 in London, England. The DSEi is the world's largest fully integrated international defence exhibition providing the opportunity for companies to display their full capability at a single exhibition.  (Photo by Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images)

It’s no secret that the relationship between Israel and the Gulf states has advanced, if often quietly, in recent years. On the other hand, with Israel now flouting its intention to annex the Jewish settlements in the West Bank, the relationship is starting to look more like a tango: two steps forward, one step back — or is it the other way around?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the Gulf states that has cautiously tested the waters of non-official engagement. While there are no official diplomatic relations, commercial relations between them are proceeding. Some of these steps appear to be low key. For example, Israel has an official representative to the United Nations International Renewable Energy Agency, which is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, and this year, Israel was invited to participate in Expo 2020 in Dubai.

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