Israel’s Bennett Postpones Visit to Abu Dhabi

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the prime minister’s office in Jerusalem August 1, 2021. (Reuters)
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the prime minister’s office in Jerusalem August 1, 2021. (Reuters)
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Israel’s Bennett Postpones Visit to Abu Dhabi

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the prime minister’s office in Jerusalem August 1, 2021. (Reuters)
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the prime minister’s office in Jerusalem August 1, 2021. (Reuters)

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has decided to postpone a planned trip to the United Arab Emirates this month amid the uncertainty surrounding the Omicron variant.

Sources close to the premier said that his decision comes in line with the preventive measures taken by both countries to limit the risk of the new variant’s outbreak.

However, independent sources said Israel did not add the UAE to its list of countries the citizens are banned to travel to.

Therefore, it is more likely that Bennett is facing severe criticism in the political circle after his wife and children flew abroad for the Passover holiday.

His family has ignored his own guidelines just days after the Israeli leader urged citizens to avoid international travel because of the new coronavirus variant.

Their trip came after Israel tightened travel restrictions in light of the omicron variant.

Israel closed its border to foreign visitors and barred travel to much of Africa, but Israelis are still allowed to fly to other countries and must quarantine when they return.

His family’s decision has sparked an outcry and raised questions about the public’s trust in leaders at a time of a major crisis.

Bennett was attacked by political rivals and everyday Israelis itching to return to normalcy. He was asked about his family’s trip and said they were not violating the new travel rules.

He said they were expected to fly to a country that subsequently was banned to travel for Israelis and then changed their destination.

More had been revealed about where the virus has spread since his decision to limit travel, he noted.

“I understand the criticism,” Bennett wrote on Facebook. “Everyone is leaving while following the restrictions and will of course quarantine as is required.”

Foreign Minister Yair Lapid has also been slammed for spending his vacation in France, especially that the Interior Minister, Ayelet Shaked, and other ministers cancelled their trips following the premier’s decision.



Japan FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: Two-State Solution Key to Stability, Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Dire

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Takeshi Iwaya talks to the press at the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting at the Fairmont Manoir Richelieu on March 13, 2025 in La Malbaie, Canada. (Getty Images/AFP)
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Takeshi Iwaya talks to the press at the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting at the Fairmont Manoir Richelieu on March 13, 2025 in La Malbaie, Canada. (Getty Images/AFP)
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Japan FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: Two-State Solution Key to Stability, Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Dire

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Takeshi Iwaya talks to the press at the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting at the Fairmont Manoir Richelieu on March 13, 2025 in La Malbaie, Canada. (Getty Images/AFP)
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Takeshi Iwaya talks to the press at the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting at the Fairmont Manoir Richelieu on March 13, 2025 in La Malbaie, Canada. (Getty Images/AFP)

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya emphasized the need to fully implement the prisoner exchange deal and ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, ensuring compliance with all its provisions before moving to the next phase to achieve long-term regional stability.

He underscored the importance of a two-state solution for lasting peace and international security.

Separately, Iwaya acknowledged security threats facing Japan, prompting Tokyo to sign an agreement with the United States to work closely toward a "free and open Indo-Pacific," further strengthening the bilateral alliance.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Iwaya stated that Japan faces a complex security environment, the most challenging since World War Two, due to rapid military advancements, including the enhancement of nuclear and missile capabilities, and increasing pressure to impose unilateral changes to the status quo by force.

Japan-Saudi relations

On another front, Iwaya revealed that Tokyo signed a memorandum with Riyadh during Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah's recent visit to establish a Strategic Partnership Council (SPC), chaired by the leaders of both countries, to boost bilateral dialogue and cooperation across various sectors.

Japan attaches great importance to its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia, given its pivotal role among Arab and Islamic nations, Iwaya said.

He added that in recent years, bilateral cooperation has expanded significantly under the Japan-Saudi Vision 2030 initiative, moving beyond the traditional energy sector, which is focused on crude oil to include clean energy, tourism, culture, sports, and entertainment.

With Saudi Arabia's rapid progress in politics, economy, advanced technologies, culture, and sports, cooperation opportunities between Tokyo and Riyadh are growing. Japan's expertise, advanced technologies, and cultural content contribute to the success of the Kingdom's ambitious projects, including smart cities, tourism, and entertainment initiatives, he said.

Iwaya also highlighted Japan's hosting of Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, which will pass the torch to Expo 2030 Riyadh. As Saudi Arabia takes on an increasingly significant role in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, strengthening bilateral cooperation in this domain is essential, he stressed.

Strategic dialogue

The Japanese foreign minister noted that he held the second strategic dialogue with his Saudi counterpart in Tokyo in February, discussing ways to deepen bilateral relations across multiple sectors and deepen cooperation on regional and international issues.

The SPC which will serve as a leadership hub to further elevate bilateral ties, Iwaya said.

"This year marks the 70th anniversary of Japan-Saudi diplomatic relations, and I am committed to making every effort to strengthen our partnership."

Palestinian issue

Regarding Japan’s position on the Palestinian issue, Iwaya affirmed that Tokyo is closely monitoring the situation in Gaza and maintaining strong communication with relevant countries and international organizations.

He stressed that Japan is actively contributing to global efforts to improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza and support reconstruction while intensifying diplomatic initiatives to achieve a two-state solution and ensure long-term peace and regional stability.

Iwaya also highlighted Japan’s role in providing humanitarian aid to Gaza and facilitating progress in hostage releases following the ceasefire agreement implemented in January.

It is crucial to ensure the full implementation of the agreement and transition to the next phase for lasting regional stability, he said.

Syria crisis

Iwaya said Tokyo is closely monitoring developments in Syria with deep concern and remains in contact with members of the new government to assess how best to respond to the situation.

Japan views the Syrian crisis comprehensively, based on its firm belief in the need to support all Syrians, he told Asharq Al-Awsat. Japan has provided humanitarian aid to those in need, aiming to support them in both the medium and long term.

He noted that Japan has contributed to capacity-building efforts for Syria’s future and expressed hope for a peaceful and stable transition of power. He emphasized the importance of inclusive political settlement through dialogue among Syrians, pledging that Tokyo would work closely with the international community to achieve this goal.

Asian security cooperation

On the prospect of forming an Asian alliance to counter China’s military expansion and North Korea’s missile threats, Iwaya said Japan is making every effort to bolster its defense capabilities in line with national security strategies while strengthening cooperation with like-minded allies.

He stressed that Japan is committed to enhancing deterrence and response capabilities within its alliance with the United States, ensuring greater resilience and sustainability.

Cooperation will continue toward achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific region, he added.