Yediot Aharonot: Mohammed bin Zayed is Israel’s Closest Ally and Friend

The Hebrew newspaper Yediot Ahronoth published an extensive report on UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, highlighting him as one of Israel’s most significant regional and global allies.

The newspaper repeatedly praised Mohammed bin Zayed, referring to him as “the most powerful Arab ruler in the world,” and noted that his agenda includes combating political Islam and reshaping the Middle East to strengthen authoritarian regimes.

It also mentioned that although Mohammed bin Zayed, 63, officially took office just two years ago, he had been effectively ruling the UAE for years prior. He is known for maintaining a low media profile, especially with foreign outlets.

The report highlighted Mohammed bin Zayed’s governing style towards his brothers, noting that he grants them privileges to prevent any threat to his leadership. Unlike other Arab rulers, despite ongoing conflicts, he has maintained relations with Israel while consistently criticizing and opposing the current Israeli government’s formation.

While the Yediot Ahronoth report attempted to portray elements of heroism in his childhood, it emphasized Mohammed bin Zayed’s focus on military skills, leading him to train at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, where he developed a global perspective.

Specializing as an officer and pilot, he continued his military career upon returning to the UAE, eventually becoming the Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. The newspaper also noted that Mohammed bin Zayed’s leadership of Abu Dhabi, the wealthiest emirate with the most oil reserves, allowed him to take on increasing responsibilities, giving him the capacity to govern the country effectively.

Mohammed bin Zayed started making pivotal decisions that shaped the UAE’s federation in 2004. After President Khalifa suffered a stroke in 2014 and retreated from public life, Mohammed took on the role of de facto leader of both Abu Dhabi and the UAE. When Khalifa passed away in 2022, Mohammed was officially appointed as the country’s ruler.

He became the first Gulf leader to openly normalize relations with Israel, as part of his strategy to expand the UAE’s regional influence. Even before the Abraham Accords, Mohammed bin Zayed had shown a strong personal interest in Israel’s military and intelligence technologies.

Israeli businesses were already active in the UAE prior to the normalization of relations. Israeli businessman Mati Kochavi and his company Logic were reportedly the first to engage with the country, providing security services for oil exploration and border protection. This collaboration began in 2008 after a contract was signed between the UAE and Swiss company AGT, owned by Kochavi.

Mohammed bin Zayed’s pursuit of advanced military and intelligence technologies is one of the key factors that connected him with Israel. Dr. Zaga explains that the UAE president follows a policy of diversification, recognizing that he cannot depend on a single source for security, military, or political support.

Historically, the UAE depended on Britain during its colonial era and later shifted its reliance to the United States after achieving independence. However, recent attacks by the Houthis and Iranians underscored the need for more diversified alliances. This led Mohammed bin Zayed to realize that relying exclusively on the U.S. was not enough, prompting him to expand regional partnerships and strengthen ties with Israel.

“The Abraham Accords were not actually driven by economic circumstances or motives, but rather, the economic benefits were merely a bonus. They do not need the Israeli economy, but they favor strategic anchors, using infrastructure, assets, and real estate to extend their control and influence beyond their borders,” the newspaper stated.

It is not for nothing that Mubadala Petroleum, owned by the government of Abu Dhabi, decided to invest huge sums in the Israeli Tamar natural gas reservoir. It is part of the strategic thinking to control assets in the Middle East and beyond, which will connect the UAE to the entire world.