Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan, Deputy Chief of Dubai Police, has called on Gulf states to deepen and formalise relations with the Israeli occupation, urging what he described as closer cooperation.
In a post on the platform X, Khalfan stated: “People of the Arabian Gulf, strengthen cooperation with Israel, this is advice,” signalling a clear push toward expanding normalisation efforts across the region.
Criticism of Regional States
Khalfan also directed sharp criticism toward other countries in the region, without naming specific states, declaring that “there is no good at all in the countries of the region.” His remarks reflect growing tensions and divisions over regional alignments amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
Public Backlash and Warnings
In response, activists pushed back strongly, arguing that the greatest threat to Gulf states stems from Israel itself, pointing to its long standing ambitions tied to the concept of “Greater Israel.”
Others invoked the legacy of the late Saudi King Faisal bin Abdulaziz, recalling his warnings about Zionism and describing it as a root cause of global instability.
Regional Friction and Diverging Positions
The remarks come amid broader signals from Emirati officials and commentators expressing dissatisfaction with the stance of regional countries, particularly Egypt, regarding ongoing Iranian attacks targeting the UAE and Gulf states.
Some Emirati voices have criticised Cairo for what they view as a lack of decisive action against Iran. However, Egyptian officials have consistently maintained that dialogue remains the only viable path to resolving the escalating conflict involving Iran, the United States, and the Israeli occupation.
