The United Arab Emirates on Friday said it had summoned the deputy Israeli ambassador over Israel's attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's subsequent "hostile and unacceptable" remarks, in another sign of strain between the two countries with close economic and defence ties.
The UAE told David Ohad Horsandi "the continuation of such hostile and provocative rhetoric ...solidifies a situation that is unacceptable and cannot be overlooked," the Emirati foreign ministry said in a statement, Reuters reported.
Israel's attempt to kill Hamas political leaders prompted international condemnation, but on Wednesday an unrepentant Netanyahu warned Qatar to either expel Hamas officials or "bring them to justice, because if you don't, we will".
