Muhammad bin Zayed al-Nahian, the heir to the United Arab Emirates, was elected the third president of the Arab Federation today (Saturday) by the country's presidential council, after Sheikh Khalifa bin Zaid, the previous president, passed away yesterday.
Ben Zayed, 73 at the time of his death, has suffered from a serious health condition in recent years, after suffering a stroke in 2014 that disrupted his functioning.
During these years, his half-brother Muhammad was the de facto ruler - and will now become the leader of the country's list.
Following the death of the leader, it was decided in the UAE to lower the flags to half-mast for 40 days of mourning, as well as to shut down state institutions for three days.
The choice of Muhammad bin Zayed is not expected to dramatically affect relations with Israel.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zaid (Archive), Photo: AFP
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett paid tribute to the late Emirati leader: "On my behalf and on behalf of the Government of Israel and its citizens, I extend my condolences to my friend, Regent Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed al-Nahian, to the United Arab Emirates government and its people following the death of President Sheikh H. "Lipa Ben Zayed al-Nahian. The legacy and great deeds of Sheikh Khalifa have been highly valued in Israel. The State of Israel stands by the United Arab Emirates and with it at this difficult time."
President Yitzhak Herzog also praised him: "This is a great loss to our friend in the Emirates and to the entire region. .
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