September 28, 2025 | 05:34 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a closed-door meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The high-profile meeting took place as Israeli attacks on Gaza continued, resulting in a rising number of casualties.
The UAE's diplomatic stance became a central talking point after it did not participate in the mass walkout organized by several Arab delegations during Netanyahu’s address at the UN podium, as reported by NDTV.
The most prominent event unfolded inside the UN General Assembly hall. As Netanyahu delivered his speech to world leaders, several Arab delegations, including those from Jordan, Qatar, and Algeria, staged a walkout as a sign of protest. Amid this coordinated demonstration, UAE diplomats remained inside the hall.
According to an official statement, the UAE justified the meeting by emphasizing the urgent need to end the war in Gaza and protect civilian lives. The two leaders also reportedly discussed regional de-escalation and humanitarian access.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed stressed "the urgent need to end the war in Gaza and protect civilian lives." The statement also reiterated the UAE's support for efforts to achieve a comprehensive peace based on a two-state solution.
The UAE's decision to meet Netanyahu during the protest has sparked intense debate across the Arab world.
Many view the move as a continuation of Abu Dhabi's commitment to dialogue established by the Abraham Accords. Others, however, criticize it for failing to align with the collective Arab sentiment following the increasing civilian casualties in Gaza.
This approach reflects the UAE's effort to maintain a delicate diplomatic balance, continuing relations with Israel while simultaneously reaffirming its push for a two-state solution and humanitarian diplomacy.
Emirati veteran diplomat and presidential advisor Dr. Anwar Gargash defended the UAE's strategy, stating: "Just as the UAE's position was decisive in closing the file on Israel's annexation of Palestinian lands, the meeting tonight between Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and the Israeli Prime Minister in New York is a bold step to support international efforts to end the Gaza war and reach a permanent ceasefire that puts an end to the humanitarian tragedy and bolsters the path to peace."
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