Israel Treats UAE as a Diplomatic Dumping Ground

The UAE regime has once again bowed to Israel, reinforcing its role as a “diplomatic trash can” regarding ambassadorial and diplomatic appointments between the two countries.

In the past few hours, the UAE officially accepted the credentials of Israel’s new ambassador, Yossi Shelley, whom Netanyahu imposed despite Abu Dhabi’s previous objections.

Shelley is notorious for his strong hostility toward Palestinians, his unwavering support for settlement expansion, and a history marred by scandals. Before his appointment as ambassador to Abu Dhabi, he served as acting director of the Tekuma Authority, overseeing the reconstruction of Israeli settlements near Gaza’s borders. He also previously worked in the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

According to the UAE’s state news agency WAM, Omar Obaid Al Hosani Al Shamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received a copy of Shelley’s credentials at the ministry’s headquarters.

WAM further reported that Al Shamsi wished the Israeli ambassador success in his role and reaffirmed Abu Dhabi’s commitment to strengthening its ties with Israel across all sectors.

The agency also noted that “the new Israeli ambassador praised the UAE’s prominent regional and international position under the leadership of President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.”

Despite initial Emirati resistance, Netanyahu’s government insisted on appointing Shelley as Israel’s envoy to Abu Dhabi. In October, the Jewish news outlet Jewish Insider revealed that the UAE was reluctant to accept him.

A source cited by the publication stated, “The Emiratis feel like they’re being treated as a diplomatic dumping ground. They don’t want an ambassador who has been cast aside by Netanyahu and is no longer welcome in his inner circle.”

Shelley, a businessman and former Likud candidate for mayor of Beersheba, previously served as the party’s director-general before Netanyahu appointed him as ambassador to Brazil in 2016. During his tenure, he built a close relationship with former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.

His diplomatic career has been tainted by multiple controversies. While in Brazil, he clashed with the local Jewish community, accusing them of harming Israel-Brazil relations by criticizing Bolsonaro. Upon returning from his post, a Brazilian woman accused him of sexual harassment.

Shelley was also involved in political power struggles in the aftermath of Operation “Al-Aqsa Flood” on October 7, 2023. Reports suggest he attempted to obstruct the flow of information to Gal Hirsch, the government coordinator for hostages and missing persons, and blocked the appointment of an emergency official tasked with streamlining the non-military response to the crisis.