Israel’s Netanyahu to visit UAE on Thursday

Israeli media reports PM will hold talks with Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit the United Arab Emirates on Thursday in an opportunity to showcase new Gulf ties before a closely contested election in Israel, public broadcaster Kan reported. An Israeli official confirmed the historic trip meant to cement new diplomatic ties between the Middle East nations, and boost the embattled Israeli leader’s re-election hopes. Netanyahu is locked in a tight race against a field of challengers and is sure to use the visit to his advantage. Kan reported Netanyahu would hold talks with Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) might join them. However, it later said an unnamed Saudi official denied MBS would be there.