UAE-Israel ties may improve after flydubai event, akin to US-Saudi relations post-9/11 - analysis
The challenges that this incident presents also likely provide opportunities, similar to how the US and Saudi Arabia were able to work together after 9/11.
Transportation Minister Miri Regev met with the United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Israel, Mohamed Al-Khaja, on Sunday. Their meeting symbolizes the strong partnership between Israel and the UAE despite the recent flydubai flight FZ1073 attack. The attack, carried out by co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, aimed to take over the plane and crash it.
However, Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and passengers' heroism prevented a major disaster. Two reserve crew pilots then helped save the plane, which landed in Saudi Arabia. The incident has highlighted the importance of the Abu Dhabi-Dubai flight corridor, a symbol of the Abraham Accords. Israel and the UAE, along with Bahrain and Morocco, have strong ties that include air corridors and security cooperation.
The UAE's role in welcoming travelers during the fall of 2020 and 2021, despite challenges like COVID-19, showcases its resilience. The meeting between Regev and Al-Khaja is significant as both countries have faced adversity due to Iran's attacks. Israeli media suggested the UAE was unhappy with the terminology used to describe rescue flights to the UAE.
However, Regev emphasized the need to strengthen ties and continue cooperation in aviation and transportation to ensure passenger and flight safety.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
