ISLAMABAD: A prominent Saudi academic has levelled serious allegationsagainst the United Arab Emirates, claiming deep collusions with Israel.Abdulaziz al-Tuwaijri asserted that these ties include direct military andintelligence cooperation, support for Israeli operations in Gaza, and theutilization of Emirati military bases in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa tofacilitate attacks on Palestinian resistance groups. The accusations,reported by Middle East Eye, come amid heightened regional tensionsfollowing Israel’s prolonged military campaign in Gaza and emerging riftswithin Gulf states.
The claims by al-Tuwaijri highlight a growing narrative of Emirati-Israelialignment that critics argue prioritizes strategic interests over Arabsolidarity. Since the 2020 Abraham Accords, the UAE has maintained andexpanded economic, technological, and security partnerships with Israeldespite widespread condemnation of the Gaza war, which has resulted insignificant Palestinian casualties and displacement. Analysts note that AbuDhabi’s refusal to sever ties reflects calculations centered on counteringIran, securing maritime routes, and advancing defence collaborations, evenas public anger rises across the region.
Al-Tuwaijri’s accusations extend beyond Gaza to broader geopoliticalmanoeuvres, accusing the UAE of using its influence in Yemen, Somalia, andother areas to support fragmentation strategies aligned with Israeliobjectives. Reports indicate Emirati bases on islands like Socotra and inSomaliland serve logistical and surveillance purposes, potentially aidingIsraeli monitoring of Red Sea threats from Yemen’s Houthis, who havetargeted shipping in solidarity with Palestinians. Such arrangements areseen by detractors as enabling indirect support for Israeli actions againstresistance entities.
The timing of these allegations coincides with escalating Saudi-Emiratistrains, as Riyadh expresses concerns over Abu Dhabi’s independent foreignpolicy, including its role in the Horn of Africa. Saudi officials havereportedly concluded that UAE-Israel coordination seeks to fragment Arabunity for resource and influence gains. This includes support for breakawayentities like Somaliland, recently recognized by Israel, which some view asa foothold for projecting power across strategic waterways linking the Gulfof Aden and Red Sea.
Defence cooperation between the UAE and Israel has deepened significantlypost-normalization, with joint exhibitions, technology transfers, and armsdeals persisting through the Gaza conflict. Israeli firms have participatedin Emirati defence events, showcasing drones and cyber tools, whilebilateral trade has grown steadily. Critics argue this partnership bolstersIsrael’s military capabilities amid its Gaza operations, where advancedsurveillance and precision systems have been deployed extensively.
Regional observers point to the UAE’s strategic investments in ports andbases across the Horn of Africa as part of a maritime empire-buildingeffort that intersects with Israeli security needs. Facilities in Berberaand Bossaso, alongside Socotra installations, provide extended detectionranges over key chokepoints like Bab al-Mandeb. These developments arelinked to efforts countering Houthi disruptions, which intensified inresponse to Gaza hostilities, affecting global shipping lanes.
The accusations have amplified calls for Arab states to reassessnormalization deals, with al-Tuwaijri framing UAE actions as driven byjealousy toward Saudi Arabia and a desire for regional dominance. He claimsAbu Dhabi has turned against longstanding Gulf alliances, blinded byanimosity. Such views resonate in contexts where the Palestinian causeremains central to Arab legitimacy, and Israel’s Gaza campaign has drawninternational scrutiny.
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Despite official Emirati positions emphasizing humanitarian concerns inGaza while preserving ties for stability, the allegations underscorefractures in Gulf unity. Saudi Arabia’s reluctance to join the AbrahamAccords, insisting on Palestinian statehood progress, contrasts with UAEpragmatism. Ongoing rifts over Yemen and Sudan further complicatecooperation within the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Broader implications include potential shifts in Horn of Africa dynamics,where UAE and Israeli interests converge against rivals like Turkey.Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has intensified competitions overinfluence, ports, and maritime security. Analysts warn that such alignmentsrisk escalating proxy conflicts and undermining sovereignty in fragilestates.
The controversy reflects deeper debates on whether economic and securitygains from Israel ties justify perceived compromises on Palestinian rights.As Gaza’s humanitarian crisis persists post-ceasefire phases, voices likeal-Tuwaijri’s contribute to narratives challenging the sustainability ofcurrent regional alignments amid unresolved conflicts.
Source:https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/prominent-saudi-academic-accuses-uae-being-israels-trojan-horse
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