From Tel Aviv to Riyadh: How US firm Greenberg Traurig navigates Israel, Gulf relations - interview

Greenberg Traurig, a US-based law firm, has expanded its operations from Israel to the Middle East, establishing offices in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The firm's executive chairman, Richard Rosenbaum, emphasized that the company's presence in these countries, despite their complex political relationships, is driven by business opportunities rather than political ambitions.

Greenberg Traurig has been present in Israel for over a decade, an era when some international firms were hesitant to openly acknowledge their work in the region. Rosenbaum defended the firm's transparency, stating, "We are proud that we're here... and it's something that we don't hide." The firm's expansion into the Gulf market was driven by business prospects, not diplomatic aspirations.

Rosenbaum clarified that the firm is not a political or religious organization but a business serving clients, and as long as regional partners are comfortable, so is Greenberg Traurig. The firm believes that business relationships across the region may be more extensive than the public realizes, even in areas without formal diplomatic ties.

When discussing the potential impact of business cooperation on diplomatic normalization, Rosenbaum emphasized that the firm is a business entity focused on helping clients navigate their situations, not a world peace advocate. On the issue of antisemitism, Greenberg Traurig has taken legal action to combat the problem, particularly on college campuses in the US.

The firm's commitment to supporting Israel extends beyond business operations, as Rosenbaum highlighted the importance of Israel's existence for Jews worldwide. He also acknowledged the challenge of combating antisemitism, even within the American legal profession, which he noted had become more welcoming to Jewish lawyers during his career.