UAE Urges Netanyahu To Accept Trump Gaza Plan, Warns Annexation Jeopardizes Arab Normalization

The United Arab Emirates is actively lobbying Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept President Donald Trump's Gaza peace proposal and to abandon plans for West Bank annexation, warning that annexation could hinder further normalization of ties with Arab and Muslim countries such as Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed conveyed these positions during a meeting with Netanyahu on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, emphasizing the urgent need for a Gaza ceasefire, the release of hostages, and support for a two-state solution. Netanyahu faces strong pressure from far-right Israeli politicians to annex parts of the West Bank, complicating his response to the peace plan. Meanwhile, President Trump is preparing to deliver an ultimatum to Netanyahu at a White House meeting, signaling possible public fallout if Netanyahu rejects the 21-point peace plan. The UAE's diplomatic efforts reflect broader concerns among Arab partners about the impact of annexation on regional peace and normalization efforts, while also urging an end to conflict and humanitarian suffering in Gaza. Netanyahu has not yet publicly responded to these pressures or the peace initiative.