Israeli minister calls her “I don’t like” Dubai comment a joke

 

Israeli Transport Minister Miri Regev’s comment on Dubai sparked controversy amid the backdrop of tension between the United Arab Emirates and Israel’s far-right government. Regev, a member of the governing Likud Party, visited Dubai in 2018 during the first-ever state visit by an Israeli minister.

While Regev praised Dubai's roads, she also made a negative comment about the city, stating that she did not like it and would not be returning. However, she later insisted that her comment was a joke and even reached out to the UAE Ambassador to Israel to clarify her position.

The relationship between Israel and the UAE has undergone a significant shift in recent years, with the two countries normalizing relations in 2020 and signing numerous agreements. However, tensions have risen since the rise of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and have been further exacerbated by comments made by Israeli officials, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's recent remarks denying the existence of Palestinians and calling for the destruction of Hawara.

Overall, the relationship between Israel and the UAE remains complex and fraught with tension, with both sides facing significant challenges in overcoming longstanding political differences and mistrust.