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The National
39 minutes ago
- The National
Arab world condemns Benjamin Netanyahu's 'Greater Israel' vision
Arab countries have condemned remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in which he expressed support for the idea of a "Greater Israel". Mr Netanyahu was asked in an Israeli TV interview whether he felt attached to the idea. He said he did, "very much", and that he felt a sense of 'historic and spiritual mission" about Israel. A "Greater Israel" would almost certainly include areas earmarked for a future Palestinian state, and possibly parts of other countries such as Jordan and Egypt. The Arab League said it strongly condemned Mr Netanyahu's comments. "These statements are considered a violation of the sovereignty of Arab states and an attempt to undermine security and stability in the region," it said. It called them "a serious threat to collective Arab national security and a blatant challenge to international law and the principles of international legitimacy." Qatar said the Israeli leader's comments amounted to "blatant aggression" against the sovereignty of states, international treaties and the UN charter. Jordan called them "a dangerous, provocative escalation". "These statements and practices reflect the dire situation of the Israeli government, and coincide with its international isolation amid its ongoing aggression against the occupied Gaza Strip and the West Bank," said the Jordanian Foreign Ministry spokesman Sufian Qudah. He said "these allegations and delusions, promoted by extremists within the Israeli government, encourage the continuation of cycles of violence and conflict, and require a clear international stance condemning them". Israel has built settlements in the occupied West Bank, which is illegal under the laws of war, and plans to reoccupy Gaza in a new offensive. Some Israeli politicians, as well as US President Donald Trump, have openly mused about forcing Palestinians out of Gaza to other countries. Mr Netanyahu raised new concerns in the TV interview by saying Israel would "allow" Gazans to leave the strip. AP reported that Israel had approached African countries about hosting evicted Palestinians. One of the countries mentioned, South Sudan, denied it was engaged in any such talks. "These claims are baseless and do not reflect the official position or policy" of the government, it said.
The National
an hour ago
- The National
UAE telecoms authority begins public consultation for satellite reseller regulations
In what could be a watershed moment for satellite service re-sellers in the UAE, the country's telecoms regulator has announced that it was taking public input as it creates a licence framework. On its website, the UAE Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority emphasised it wanted feedback for regulations to "regularise the current resale of satellite services". Once the TDRA finalises specifics for what it describes as a "category B" licence, the door would be opened for many businesses and entities to sell connectivity devices and services – paving the way for resellers of low-earth-orbit satellite internet communications devices such as Starlink. Under current regulations, only certain UAE entities with the current telecoms licence are permitted to provide these services. During the public consultation, the TDRA is seeking to "take relevant input provided by the stakeholders into consideration when drafting its regulation", according to the consultation form on the authority's website. According to SpaceX, operator of Starlink, the service is "pending regulatory approval" in the UAE. A document posted this year to the TDRA's website showed that Starlink was granted a regulatory licence in 2024 that will last about 10 years for 'maritime satellite internet services'. In the Middle East, Starlink is available in Qatar, Yemen, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan and Israel. Jimmy Grewal, executive director Dubai-based marine electronics company Elcome International, said he was excited about the the opportunities presented during the public comment period. "The TDRA's open consultation is a welcome step that brings clarity to a fast-moving market and will accelerate the safe rollout of next-generation satellite connectivity across the UAE," he said. Mr Grewal said a detailed framework for resellers like Elcome will strengthen options, resilience and productivity for government, maritime, aviation and offshore energy sector workers seeking internet and communications connectivity. He said he was also prepared for the possibility of the regulations opening the door for Starlink access in the UAE. "As one of the first and largest Starlink resellers in the world, Elcome is keen to bring the benefits of Starlink to our home market once the new regulatory framework is in place," Mr Grewal said. According to the TDRA's feedback form posted on its website, relevant entities are being asked about ideal licence durations, satellite reseller fees and overall reactions to draft legislation. The regulatory body is accepting public consultation until September 25.
Middle East Eye
an hour ago
- Middle East Eye
German manufacturer mulls relocating to US to avoid arms embargo against Israel
German automotive manufacturer Renk, which produces tank transmissions and engines for the Israeli military, is considering moving production to the US after the German arms embargo on Israel. Renk CEO Alexander Sagel mentioned the prospective shift on a post-earnings call, as reported by Reuters on Wednesday. The call comes five days after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the country would freeze military exports to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip, amidst an Israeli plan to occupy the entire Palestinian enclave. Israel's war on Gaza has drawn international condemnation, and its plan to empty Gaza City of its one million inhabitants has drawn criticism even from staunch Israeli allies such as Germany. If enforced, the plan would amount to the forced expulsion of Palestinians, an illegal move under international law. Renk produces tank transmissions and engines for the Israeli military, accounting for two to three percent of the company's business portfolio. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters These parts are essential components in Israel's main Merkava battle tanks, which were used in the killing of six-year-old Hind Rajab and her family, as well as Namer armoured personnel carriers. 'If we cannot produce [transmissions] in Germany, we will relocate these volumes to a different plant, for example, to the US,' Segal said. 'This might take maybe 8 to 10 months, but if there's no move forward, we will do it because we have this business.' Renk has seen rising profits from its vehicle mobility solutions department in recent months, as Israel's genocide in Gaza continues. German embargo Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Friday that the exports were frozen 'until further notice' and expressed concern for the plight of Gaza's Palestinians, who are suffering under Israeli-imposed starvation. Germany is Israel's second-largest supplier of weapons, following the US. Merz said it was Israel's right to disarm Hamas and seek the release of its captives in Gaza, but that these goals have become harder to achieve due to Israel's planned military action. "The German government believes that the even tougher military action in the Gaza Strip decided upon by the Israeli cabinet last night makes it increasingly difficult to see how these goals can be achieved," Merz said in a statement. Politically, Germany is one of Israel's closest allies. The country has not recognised Palestine and has committed to ignoring the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Norway sovereign wealth fund drops investments in 11 Israeli companies Read More » Germany has also cracked down on pro-Palestine speech by banning symbols associated with the movement, such as the inverted red triangle, and by withholding public funds from individuals and organisations that boycott Israel. After Israel's cabinet approved a plan to occupy the entire Gaza Strip, Germany announced it would halt 'any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice'. If enforced, a German arms embargo could represent a significant step in Israel's growing international isolation. Yet according to the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divest and Sanctions movement, on the same day Germany's arms embargo was announced, the country issued a licence to export a submarine to Israel. On 31 July, Slovenia became the first European Union country to impose an arms embargo on Israel. Citing the failure of the EU to impose restrictions itself, the central European country unilaterally banned the export or import of weapons to Israel.
