The United Arab Emirates embassy in Tel Aviv caused a stir when they hosted the far-right Israeli parliament member Itamar Ben-Gvir who was welcomed to the premises on Thursday, December 1st. Gvir is also set to become Israel’s next National Security Minister.

Ben-Gvir, who is gearing up to becoming Israel’s next security minister, was partaking in the UAE’s 51st National Day event. He was captured shaking hands with Al-Khadija at Tel Aviv’s Hilton hotel. Several ambassadors, politicians and public figures were also spotted at the event.

The notorious far-right Israeli parliament member is known for his crude remarks against Palestinians. Gvir’s Jewish Power party is also the political descendant of the far-right Kach party which was removed from the Knesset on accounts of racism. Ben Gvir himself has been convicted several times for indoctrinating hatred against Arabs.

According to the Washington Post, Gvir was also exempt from mandatory military services when he was younger after he reportedly threatened the then Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin for trying to make peace with the Palestinians. Rabin was later assassinated by an Israeli ultra-nationalist three weeks later.

Gvir is also infamous for giving police and soldiers the allowance to use live ammunition and also protecting them from persecution for killing or injuring Palestinians.

“The event today teaches that it’s possible to make true peace without giving up territory and without surrendering to terror, just making peace between people who like each other, without making concessions,” Ben Gvir said at the reception, according to Ynet.

Notorious former leader and re-elected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Nethanyahu was also part of the event and was recognized as the guest of honor.

“The Abraham Accords are not just a piece of paper between governments. They are a warm peace between our people that strengthens security, cooperation and stability in the region,” Netanyahu said, according to Times of Israel.

Outlets like the Jewish Press are using this as an opportunity to distinguish between “different Arabs” who “have radically different views” about Israel’s security minister. The Press itself draws contrast to how Israeli President Isaac Herzog told Shas representstives that “the whole world was afraid of him,” referencing Ben Gvir.

Extremist #Israeli #lawmaker #Itamar_Ben_Gvir, who once urged the Israeli soldiers to shoot #Palestinians if they simply hold stones, has been warmly welcomed by the #UAE_ambassador in #Tel_Aviv. pic.twitter.com/SCQwVtvu7Q

— Noor Institution 🇮🇷 (@TohidMhmdz2021) December 2, 2022

Several netizens took to social media, calling out the UAE for their hypocrisy, and for their failure in supporting fellow Muslim Palestinians.