The Dubai Airshow commenced today with notable absences from Israeli defense companies IAI and Rafael, as their unstaffed stands stood in stark contrast to the bustling event. The absence comes during an ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has led to rising casualties since Hamas's cross-border attacks on Oct. 7. Despite the escalating situation, Elbit Systems (NASDAQ:ESLT), another Israeli defense firm, maintained a staffed presence through its UAE-registered subsidiary, signaling its intent to foster long-term military cooperation with the UAE.
Over the weekend, calls for an arms embargo on Israel grew louder as Arab and Muslim nations collectively urged for a halt in arms sales in response to the Gaza intervention. This stance was echoed at a joint meeting of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), where UAE Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan advocated for the embargo, highlighting the UAE's dedication to its diplomatic ties with Israel established through the Abraham Accords in 2020.
The Abraham Accords marked a significant shift in Middle Eastern diplomacy, as several Arab nations normalized relations with Israel. However, these ties are being tested by the current conflict. The Dubai Airshow has historically been a platform for defense companies to showcase their latest technologies and forge international partnerships. IAI's and Rafael's unstaffed stands next to EDGE, a UAE arms producer that previously collaborated with IAI in 2021, underscored the complexities of these relationships amid regional tensions.
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