Israel-UAE relations.
The opening of an Israeli diplomatic mission accredited to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi last month placed a spotlight on the indirect and discrete connections between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Israel and the UAE have long aligned on a range of defence and security issues, and maintained a low-level trading relationship. Direct political ties remain a non-starter so long as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues. However, shared concern over shifts in the regional landscape, notably the perceived empowerment of Iran and Islamism, has provided added impetus for cooperation.
UAE policy on Israel will be shaped by security hawks in Abu Dhabi who prioritise shared interests in stability over the Palestinian issue.
Deep scepticism in Israel and the UAE over the future of US policy in the region is likely to deepen their defence and security ties.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict will fall further down the Gulf Arab states' regional agenda.
