The United Arab Emirates has condemned a request from Israel's extremist finance minister for support from Gulf and European countries to fund its ongoing war with Iran, calling the proposal a mark of "moral bankruptcy".
Anwar Gargash, diplomatic advisor to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, slammed far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Monday after he claimed that he had reached out to Gulf states, along with Germany, France and the UK, seeking contributions to finance Israel's military campaign.
In a post on X, Gargash wrote:
"The audacity of Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich has reached the point of calling for Gulf (and German, French, and British) funding for Israel’s war on Iran."
Such a proposal is nothing but moral bankruptcy from an extremist who fails to grasp the consequences of escalation," he added.
The UAE, which normalised ties with Israel in 2020 under the Abraham Accords, has condemned the recent Israeli strikes on Iran, describing them as a "violation of international law". The UAE has also expressed concern over the rising regional tensions and has called for de-escalation through diplomacy and dialogue.
According to Emirati officials, Mohamed bin Zayed has led consultations with regional leaders in recent days aimed at reducing tensions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Sunday highlighting the importance of resolving disputes in ways that "promote stability, prosperity and justice".
The economic relationship between Abu Dhabi and Tehran remains significant.
Trade between the UAE and Iran reached approximately $6.23 billion in 2024, and Iran maintains deep social and business links with the Emirates.
However, the UAE normalised ties with Israel in 2020 and has maintained close financial, cultural, and military links with Israel despite its genocidal war on Gaza.
Smotrich has previously vowed that Gaza will be "entirely destroyed" and that its "population will leave in great numbers to third countries".
The financial pressure on Israel has grown as its military operation against Iran intensifies. According to reports in the US media on Monday, the war is costing Israel hundreds of millions of dollars per day, with the most significant expense being the interception of incoming missiles.
Analysts have noted that the air campaign against Iran has proven significantly more costly than Israel's previous attacks in Gaza or southern Lebanon.
Despite these costs, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel is "very close" to achieving its objectives and has given no indication of halting military action.
Gargash's remarks come amid growing unease across the Gulf region over Israel’s conduct, despite historically poor relations with Iran.
Several Arab states, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, have publicly condemned the Israeli strikes on Iran, urging restraint and warning of the consequences of further escalation.