Normalization is the new normal for the UAE and Israel
Conventional wisdom holds that the normalization of relations between Israel and the UAE is, at most, an expression of mutual antagonism toward Iran, driven by concern about Tehran’s nuclear program and its support for terrorist militias throughout the Middle East.
This month’s historic meeting of Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Emirati Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed puts paid to that conventional wisdom. For one thing, the UAE and Israel have differing approaches to the Iran issue. For another, the cooperation the countries seek goes far beyond security and shared enemies.
An examination of the leaders’ joint statement after their meeting, together with a…