Israeli defence firms sign deal with UAE tech company on coronavirus research

Two Israeli defence contractors will be partnering with a state-linked technology company in the United Arab Emirates in what is set to be one of the most significant strides in normalising ties between the two countries.

G42, an Abu Dhabi-based company specializing in artificial intelligence and cloud computing, signed a partnership with Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to research ways of combating the coronavirus pandemic, the UAE's state-run WAM news agency reported.

It said executives signed a memorandum of understanding by video link between the two countries, which do not have diplomatic relations.

Rafael and IAI's Elta subsidiary confirmed the agreement. Elta, which specialises in sensors, radar, electronic warfare and communication systems, said they would cooperate on research and technology focused on artificial intelligence, sensors and lasers.

They said the collaboration would not only benefit the two countries but the entire world as it grapples with the coronavirus pandemic.

Yoav Turgeman, the CEO of Elta, said in a statement: "We are proud to join with Group 42 from the United Arab Emirates and be a harbinger of future joint activities between the two countries." 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last week that his government and the United Arab Emirates would announce a partnership in the fight against the coronavirus.

In a speech to graduating Israeli fighter pilots, Netanyahu said an announcement was expected "in a few moments" and came after months of "intense contacts".

"This collaboration will be in the fields of research and development, technology, in areas that will improve the confidence in health throughout the region," he said.

The Emirates' state-run WAM news agency also published an article acknowledging two private firms signed a deal with two Israeli companies "to develop research and technology to fight COVID-19," the illness caused by the coronavirus. The announcement did not name the firms.

"As a result of the pandemic's spread worldwide, it is imperative to place the protection of humanity at the forefront of global action to overcome this unprecedented crisis," WAM said.

Mixed signals

Israel and the UAE, home to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, do not have formal diplomatic relations, but they are believed to maintain close behind-the-scenes contacts because of their shared concerns about Iran.

Earlier this month, the UAE's ambassador to the United States published an op-ed in an Israeli newspaper confirming that ties had improved but warning Israel that proceeding with annexation would "upend" any efforts to normalize relations with Arab states.

"Annexation will certainly and immediately upend Israeli aspirations for improved security, economic and cultural ties with the Arab world and with UAE," Ambassador Yousef al-Otaiba wrote.

However, in June another leading UAE official said it was open to cooperating with Israel on efforts to combat the coronavirus and other humanitarian issues despite the political disagreement over annexation.

"Can I have a political disagreement with Israel but at the same time try and bridge other areas of the relationship? I think I can," Anwar Gargash, the UAE's minister of state for foreign affairs, said in an interview with the American Jewish Committee advocacy group.

Last month, the UAE sent a cargo plane to Israel loaded with coronavirus-related aid it said was destined for the Palestinians. The Palestinian Authority said it could not receive the aid because there had been no prior coordination.

West Bank annexation

Netanyahu has vowed to annex all of Israel's illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank and the strategic Jordan Valley, which together amount to around 30% of the West Bank.

President Donald Trump's Middle East plan endorsed the move, which has been rejected by the Palestinians and much of the international community.

Israel could begin the annexation process as soon as July 1, but the Trump administration may apply the brakes in an effort to revive peace negotiations. The UAE is a close and influential US military ally.

Opponents of annexation say it would make it virtually impossible to create a viable Palestinian state in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza, territories seized by Israel in the 1967 war.

Explainer: All you need to know about Israel's Trump-backed annexation plan for the West Bank

Netanyahu has boasted of quietly improving ties with Arab states, but full normalization still appears unlikely without a resolution of the conflict with the Palestinians.

Jordan and Egypt are the only two Arab countries to have made peace with Israel. Jordan, another close U.S. ally, is staunchly opposed to any annexation, saying it would cause a "massive conflict".

A graphic published by the Trump administration as part of its 'Deal of the Century' plan

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