Israeli settler leaders hail cooperation with UAE in first trip to Abu Dhabi

A group of Israeli settler leaders visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and met senior government officials earlier this week, according to Israeli media. 

The settler delegation discussed opportunities for economic, security, and diplomatic cooperation, Israeli news website 0404 News reported on Thursday. 

The delegation included Israel Ganz, chairman of the Yesha Council (an umbrella group of municipal councils of settlements in the occupied West Bank), Eliram Azoulay, Hebron Hills settlements regional council, and Yesha Council CEO Omer Rahamim. 

Settler leaders participated in an Iftar dinner at the official residence of Dr Ali Rashid al-Nuaimi, a senior member of the UAE National Council.

Around 700,000 Israeli settlers live in roughly 300 illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, all of which have been built since Israel occupied the territories in 1967.

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