• The UAE warns Israel that annexation of the West Bank is a "red line."
• Emirati officials emphasize that annexation could undermine the Abraham Accords.
• The comments reflect the UAE's strongest criticism of Israel's actions since the Gaza war began.
• Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich's settlement proposals have raised tensions with Arab states.
• The Palestinian Authority supports the UAE's stance against the annexation plans.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has publicly warned Israel that any attempt to annex parts of the occupied West Bank would cross a "red line" for Abu Dhabi, which would severely undermine the Abraham Accords that normalised relations between the two countries. Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE's Assistant Minister for Political Affairs, stated, "Annexation in the West Bank would constitute a red line for the UAE," emphasizing that such actions would jeopardize the spirit and vision of the accords designed to support the Palestinian aspiration for statehood, according to Reuters and SCMP.

Nusseibeh's comments represented the UAE's strongest criticism of Israel's conduct since the outbreak of the Gaza war in 2023, highlighting the growing tensions following Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's announcements regarding construction in the West Bank. Smotrich has proposed plans that would significantly alter the territorial status quo, which many believe would eliminate the prospects for a Palestinian state, reports Reuters, Middle East Eye, and BBC.

The situation has drawn international criticism and placed the UAE in a complex geopolitical position as it attempts to navigate its relationship with Israel amidst the escalating conflict in Gaza. Nusseibeh reiterated the importance of respecting the aspirations of Palestinians, stating that “we viewed the Accords as a way to enable our continued support for the Palestinian people,” and called on Israel to refrain from advancing annexation plans, according to Dawn and Middle East Eye.

Israeli settlements and plans for annexation remain contentious issues, complicating peace efforts in the region. Smotrich's recent declarations about advancing settlement construction have led to widespread condemnation from Palestinian authorities and advocates, who argue the fragmentation of the West Bank through such actions threatens the two-state solution. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, coupled with these developments, has prompted the Palestinian Authority to express full support for the UAE's warning against Israeli annexation, as noted by SCMP and BBC.