UAE says Israeli map claiming Arab territories is 'blatant violation of international law'

Israeli post shows biblical boundaries extending into areas east of the Jordan River

Israeli soldiers in the Golan Heights. The UAE criticised a map posted on X by the Israeli government. Reuters

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The UAE has condemned in the strongest terms the publication of a map titled “Historic Israel” by the Israeli government claiming areas of modern Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

The map, posted on X by the Israeli Foreign Ministry’s Arabic account, showed the biblical boundaries of the ancient Kingdoms of Israel and Judea which extended, according to Biblical accounts, into different areas east of the Jordan River.

Publishing the map is a “deliberate effort to expand the occupation and a blatant violation and contravention of international law,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday, adding that the UAE categorically rejects provocative practices aimed at altering Palestine’s legal status.

The Ministry added that all regional and international efforts to advance the peace process in the Middle East need support, with the ultimate aim of achieving the two-state solution leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

The Ministry also reiterated its call on the UN and the UN Security Council to enhance regional peace and security.

Regional condemnation

The UAE joined Qatar, a mediator in Gaza ceasefire talks, Saudi Arabia and Jordan in criticising the publication of the map. “We warn the publication of the alleged maps would hinder peace opportunities in the region,” Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said in a post on X. “We emphasise the necessity for the international community to undertake its legal and moral responsibilities to compel the Israeli occupation to comply with international legitimacy resolutions.”

Jordan also condemned the map, describing it as an attempt to undermine Palestine’s rights to establish an independent and sovereign state based on the pre-1967 borders.

“These inflammatory actions and baseless claims, promoted by extremists within the Israeli government, perpetuate violence and instability,” a spokesman said. “These claims constitute a flagrant violation of international law and norms, necessitating a strong international response to condemn and counter their repercussions for regional security and stability.”

The post accompanying the map read: “Did you know that the Kingdom of Israel was established 3000 years ago?” and portrayed the biblical accounts of ancient kings such as Saul, David, and Solomon. It also documented the partition of the kingdom to Israel in the north and Judea in the south, before Israel’s fall in 722 BC and Judea’s in 568 BC.

The news follows comments made by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, who on Tuesday met Gideon Saar, Israel’s Foreign Minister, in Abu Dhabi.

The UAE will spare no effort in supporting Palestinians, Sheikh Abdullah said, as he confirmed the Emirates will continue providing humanitarian aid and backing the right to self-determination, and highlighted the nation's long-standing solidarity with Palestinians over the decades.