Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there is no political dispute or disagreement behind postponing his visit to UAE and Bahrain this month, stressing that the trip was not canceled by delayed due to the closure of Ben Gurion Airport.
“Despite the importance of the trip to Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to postpone the visit at this stage due to the closing of the skies,” read a statement issued by his office.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu very much appreciates the invitations of Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa and the historic peace that has been established between our countries.”
Meanwhile, a source close to Netanyahu revealed that the visit was delayed to avoid criticism by Israelis due to current travel restrictions.
The source said that the international airport and all crossings are closed -- citizens can’t travel or receive treatment or education. There are more than 30,000 Israelis stranded abroad. How can the PM travel to UAE or Bahrain amid such circumstances?
The trip was initially scheduled for September after an agreement was signed between Israel and the two Gulf countries. However, it was then delayed several times.
Netanyahu’s shortened itinerary includes a meeting with the UAE’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at his palace, after which he will head to Dubai to meet Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and several officials and businessmen.
On the third day, the Israeli PM would head to Manama where he will stay for a couple of hours and meet with King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad.
