In London, Abu Dhabi and Nicosia: For years, Netanyahu's adviser and Amirati minister have held secret meetings • Former British Prime Minister reveals: This is how the infrastructure for the historic agreement was laid • Full publication - tomorrow in "Israel This Week"
Isaac Molcho and Tony Blair
Photo:
Contact, Gideon Markovich
A series of secret meetings held over the years by Adv. Yitzhak Molcho with a minister in the UAE government laid the groundwork for the establishment of ties between the two countries. The channel was embroidered by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who worked behind the scenes.
This is what "Israel Today" learned from knowledgeable sources in the political system.
In an interview with Israel Today, Blair confirmed the main details.
Photo: Ariel Kahana
The meetings took place from 2015 until Molcho's forced retirement in 2018, when he stopped assisting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the false accusation that he was involved in the submarine affair.
The meetings between Molcho and the Emirati minister took place in London, Nicosia and Abu Dhabi.
At first they were held with the participation of Blair but later, as he put it, "the relationship took on a life of its own."
The talks led to a renewal of trust between the two countries after a five-year hiatus due to Israel's accusation of the elimination of al-Mabhouh.
During his mission, Molcho sent messages to Netanyahu on behalf of Netanyahu.
Later, the tightening of ties led to telephone conversations between Netanyahu and Regent Muhammad bin Zayed, leading up to the two meetings held in 2018, as revealed in "Israel Today."
Blair, in an interview from London, stressed that Israel's willingness to relinquish its sovereignty created the opportunity to forge visible ties, "but the breakthrough was born as a result of a deep process that lasted several years. Without it, it would not have happened."