Israeli Annexation in the West Bank a “Red Line” for the UAE: Official

Israeli plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank have been described as a “red line” for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), one of the few Arab nations that formally recognises Israel.

On Wednesday, Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs of the UAE, issued a statement to Agence France-Presse (AFP) underscoring her country’s firm stance: “Annexation of the West Bank would constitute a red line for the UAE.”

The UAE, which normalised diplomatic relations with Israel in 2020 under the Abraham Accords, has positioned itself as a key regional partner in dialogue with Tel Aviv. However, Nusseibeh’s statement signals that any formal annexation of Palestinian territory would severely test these ties.

The declaration highlights the fragile balance between diplomatic engagement and longstanding Arab solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

Should Israel pursue annexation, the UAE has suggested it would see the move as a breach of trust and a direct challenge to the foundations of regional peace and cooperation.