Israeli settler leaders hail cooperation with UAE in first trip to Abu Dhabi
A group of Israeli settler leaders visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and met senior government officials earlier this week, according to Israeli media.
The settler delegation discussed opportunities for economic, security, and diplomatic cooperation, Israeli news website 0404 News reported on Thursday.
The delegation included Israel Ganz, chairman of the Yesha Council (an umbrella group of municipal councils of settlements in the occupied West Bank), Eliram Azoulay, Hebron Hills settlements regional council, and Yesha Council CEO Omer Rahamim.
Settler leaders participated in an Iftar dinner at the official residence of Dr Ali Rashid al-Nuaimi, a senior member of the UAE National Council.
Around 700,000 Israeli settlers live in roughly 300 illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, all of which have been built since Israel occupied the territories in 1967.
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Under international law, settlement construction in an occupied territory is illegal.
Ganz hailed cooperation with the UAE as a key factor in strengthening settlement.
"The visit to the UAE is a testimony to regional change and the need for new thinking,' Ganz said, according to 0404 News.
'Cooperation between nations, based on mutual respect and recognition of reality, is the way to strengthen settlement and ensure a strong future for both countries."
'Gracious hospitality'
Ganz also thanked al-Nuaimi for his 'warm and personal invitation' and the 'gracious hospitality'.
Azoulay described the trip as a 'significant step in strengthening settlement'.
Palestinian Authority fears being sidelined in Gaza by Trump and UAE Read More »
'It is incredible to see that there are courageous leaders who want to hear firsthand about our communities, towns and the development of the West Bank,' Azoulay said, according to the Jewish Chronicle.
He said he met leaders in the UAE who shared his fight against Hamas, Hezbollah, the Muslim Brotherhood and Iran.
The leaders also expressed support for fighting the Palestinian Authority's education system, which 'promotes evil and hatred of Jews,' according to Azoulay.
Israeli criticism of Palestinian textbooks often refers to lessons that teach and promote Palestinian statehood and patriotism.
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