Israel's ambassador to the UAE, Yossi Shelley, said another country — possibly Kuwait — could join the Abraham Accords within four to six months. His remarks come amid broader regional diplomacy, including former President Donald Trump's comments urging simultaneous signings and warning that failed Iran talks could spark renewed conflict. Shelley denied reports that UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed warned Israel before the October 7 attacks and said Israel–UAE ties are strengthening as they mark six years since the Accords.
Kuwait Could Join Abraham Accords Within Six Months, Israel’s Ambassador Says
Israel
Israel's ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Yossi Shelley, told KAN Reshet Bet that an additional country — possibly the State of Kuwait — could accede to the Abraham Accords within four to six months. Shelley framed the prospect as part of continuing regional diplomatic momentum between Jerusalem and Gulf capitals.
Broader Regional Diplomacy
Shelley’s comments come amid heightened regional diplomacy. Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently wrote on the Truth platform that negotiations with Iran were "moving along nicely," while insisting the only acceptable result would be "a big deal for everyone, or no deal at all." He warned that a failed agreement could return parties "to the battlefield and to shooting, but bigger and stronger than ever before," a scenario he said nobody wants.
Trump also urged that the countries involved sign any final arrangement simultaneously. He listed potential signatories as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain — noting that the UAE and Bahrain are already parties to the Accords.
From right to left: Eliram Azulay, Head of the Har Hevron Regional Council; Yossi Shelley, Israel's Ambassador to the UAE; Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi; Yisrael Ganz, Head of the Binyamin Regional Council and Chairman of the Yesha Council; and Omer Rahamim, CEO of the Yesha Council. (credit: YESHA COUNCIL)
On Reports About October 7
"I was there during those days. I do not remember any warning or any discussion about it," Shelley said, rejecting reports that UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed alerted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before the October 7 attacks.
Shelley said he had attended several cabinet meetings in the relevant period and had not heard of any such warning. He added that any explicit Emirati warning would have significantly affected relations and that reading between the lines is difficult when claims lack clear evidence.
State of Israel–UAE Relations
Speaking as the UAE marks six years since signing the Abraham Accords, Shelley described bilateral ties as strengthening despite occasional ups and downs. "We are experiencing dramatic growth," he said, calling Israel and the UAE "true partners at the moment of truth" and emphasizing practical cooperation and mutual support.
Reporting: Jerusalem Post staff contributed to this report.
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