The UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Anwar Gargash, said Thursday an agreement with Israel to normalize relations was done to deal with the threat that further annexation of Palestinian territories posed to the two-state solution.
In a tweet, Gargash urged the Palestinians and Israelis to return to the negotiating table.
He also told reporters on Thursday that the Emiratis wanted to “try and put one on one together” and develop an organic relationship.
“Let us try and get something tangible,” he said.
He described Thursday’s announcement as a “bold step.
“The UAE is using its gravitas and promise of a relationship to unscrew a time bomb that is threatening a two-state solution,” Gargash said.
When asked about a time frame for embassies opening, Gargash said it will not be long and “this is for real”.
“We are not talking about step by step.”
“Is it perfect? Nothing is perfect in a very difficult region,” he said. “But I think we used our political chips right.”
