Israel calls the repeal of the boycott of the country by the Emirates "historic”

Israel praised the repeal of the country's boycott law by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a "historic decision" that will strengthen the normalisation of relations between the two states and "the stability of the region".

The repeal of this law "is an important step towards peace that will bring about relevant economic and commercial achievements" for both countries, said Israeli Foreign Minister Gaby Ashkenazi, who urged other states to follow "the courageous steps of the UAE".

His statements come hours after the president of the Emirates, Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan, repealed the federal boycott law, which imposed sanctions on anyone doing business with Israel.

This means that UAE citizens and companies will be able to conduct business and sign commercial or financial agreements with bodies and individuals of Israeli nationality. It will also allow products or goods from Israel to enter the Arab country.

This is yet another step towards bringing the two countries closer together, as they have been strengthening their contacts since Washington announced the establishment of diplomatic ties on 13 August.

On Monday a delegation headed by the Israeli national security adviser, Meir Ben Shabat, will travel to the UAE to promote the formalisation of relations with the emirate authorities in areas such as the economy, trade relations, business and air traffic.

They will be accompanied by a representation of high-ranking US officials including Jared Kushner, son-in-law and adviser to the president, Donald Trump. Both delegations will travel on what will be the first ever commercial flight between Israel and the UAE.

The UAE will thus become the third Arab country to have current relations with Israel, in addition to Egypt and Jordan. Its approach has been condemned by the Palestinian leadership, which considered this step "a betrayal" of its cause, for abandoning the historic Arab consensus of not relating to Israel until there is a peace agreement with the Palestinians.