Israel says it reached deal with UAE to jointly fight virus

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that his government and United Arab Emirates will soon anunce a partnership in fight against coronavirus.

deal, which UAE later said involved two private companies, comes despite recent warnings from UAE officials that Israel’s planned annexation of parts of occupied West Bank would harm its efforts to improve relations with Arab states.

In a speech to graduating Israeli fighter pilots, Netanyahu said an anuncement was expected “in a few moments” and came after months of “intense contacts.”

“This collaboration will be in fields of research and development, techlogy, in areas that will improve confidence in health throughout region,” he said.

Emirates’ state-run WAM news ncy later published an item ackwledging two private firms signed a deal with two Israeli companies “to develop research and techlogy to fight COVID-19,” illness caused by coronavirus. anuncement did t name firms.

“As a result of pandemic’s spread worldwide, it is imperative to place protection of humanity at forefront of global action to overcome this unprecedented crisis,” WAM said.

It’s unclear what that research will involve. UAE has been working closely with China on virus.

Israel and UAE, home to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, do t have formal diplomatic relations, but y are believed to maintain close behind--scenes contacts because of ir shared concerns about Iran.

Earlier this month, UAE’s ambassador to United States published an op-ed in an Israeli newspaper confirming that ties had improved but warning Israel that proceeding with annexation would “upend” any efforts to rmalize relations with Arab states.

“Annexation will certainly and immediately upend Israeli aspirations for improved security, ecomic and cultural ties with Arab world and with UAE,” Ambassador Yousef al-Otaiba wrote.

However, last week, ar leading UAE official said it was open to cooperating with Israel on efforts to combat coronavirus and or humanitarian issues despite political disagreement over annexation.

“Can I have a political disagreement with Israel but at same time try and bridge or areas of relationship? I think I can,” Anwar Gargash, UAE’s minister of state for foreign affairs, said in an interview with American Jewish Committee advocacy group.

Last month, UAE sent a cargo plane to Israel loaded with coronavirus-related aid it said was destined for Palestinians. Palestinian Authority said it could t receive aid because re had been prior coordination.

Netanyahu has vowed to annex all of Israel’s far-flung settlements and strategic Jordan Valley, which toger amount to around 30% of occupied West Bank. President Donald Trump’s Middle East plan endorsed move, which has been rejected by Palestinians and much of international community.

Israel could begin annexation process as soon as July 1, but Trump administration may apply brakes in an effort to revive peace negotiations. UAE is a close and influential U.S. military ally.

Opponents of annexation say it would make it virtually impossible to create a viable Palestinian state in West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza, territories seized by Israel in 1967 war. A two-state solution is still widely seen as only way of resolving conflict.

Netanyahu has boasted of quietly improving ties with Arab states, but full rmalization still appears unlikely without a resolution of conflict with Palestinians.

Jordan and Egypt are only two Arab countries to have made peace with Israel. Jordan, ar close U.S. ally, is staunchly opposed to any annexation, saying it would cause a “massive conflict.”