UAE Reportedly Halts Purchase of Missile System from Israeli Regime amid Political Turmoil
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reportedly halted the purchase of an advanced surface-to-air missile system from Israel.
The move comes amid political turmoil facing embattled Israeli regime prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as anti-Palestinian remarks by two extremist Israeli ministers.
Citing a report by Israel’s Channel 12 television channel, the Arabic-language Arabi21 online newspaper stated that the UAE's decision came in response to recent actions and statements by Israel's so-called national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and finance minister Bezalel Smotrich. The channel quoted Israeli sources as saying that the UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has announced the freeze on the deal, saying "As long as we do not receive assurances that Netanyahu is able to control his administration, we cannot undertake common projects."
The purchase was approved last year, and Israel agreed to supply the UAE with Rafael-made SPYDER mobile interceptors. However, it was not clear how many interceptors, which are fitted to vehicles and can defend against short to long-range threats, would be supplied or if any had already been shipped.
The normalization deals between Israel and UAE, as well as Bahrain, have sparked widespread condemnation from Palestinians, nations, and human rights advocates across the globe, especially within the Muslim world.
Palestinians regard ministers of the new Israeli cabinet, especially Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, as racist and fascist for publicly advocating the expulsion of Palestinians and the demolition of their homes, supporting Israeli extremist groups repeatedly attacking Palestinians, and stirring incitement to racism against Arabs and non-Jews.
Smotrich caused an uproar earlier this month when he said the Palestinian town of Huwwara, south of Nablus, should be "wiped out." Ben-Gvir also ordered Israeli forces to press ahead with the demolition of Palestinian homes that have purportedly been built "without permits" in occupied East al-Quds during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
The announcement came despite the fact that the occupying regime has not carried out home demolitions during Ramadan in past years in order to avoid tensions with Palestinians and their subsequent retaliatory operations.
The UAE's decision to freeze the missile system purchase reflects growing concerns over the policies and rhetoric of the Netanyahu administration. The move also highlights the UAE's stance in supporting the Palestinian cause, which is in line with the Arab and Muslim world.
