ABU DHABI, Reuters – Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennet will talk to Iran and bilateral matters during Monday’s historic meeting. This was according to an Israeli envoy, who said this after a visit by the Gulf State to Tehran.

Last year, Israel and the UAE established relations under a U.S.-led regional initiative called the Abraham Accords. This was due to shared concern over Iranian activities.

Abu Dhabi has sent its top diplomat to Iran, last week as the world’s major powers try to renew the Iran nuclear accord. This week, a U.S. delegation will be in UAE to warn Emirati banks about non-compliance of Iran sanctions.

Iran is Israel’s arch-foe. Bennett hasn’t mentioned it publicly since Sunday, when he traveled to the UAE to meet with Israeli premiers. He pledged to encourage bilateral commerce as well as other forms civilian cooperation.

Bennett said that “It will not be a surprise that this topic (Iran), will certainly come up” during Bennett’s meeting in Abu Dhabi with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan. Amir Hayek was the Israeli ambassador to Abu Dhabi.

Israel Hayom reported that Bennett would brief Sheikh Mohammed about intelligence concerning Iranian-supplied drones and militias in the area.

Hayek did not elaborate further on Iran. In an interview with Israel’s Army Radio, Hayek stated that “the prime minister didn’t only come here to address the Iranian problem.”

Last month, Israel and the Gulf Arab countries discussed setting up joint defenses against Iran. Hayek indicated that the UAE is interested in military sales, although Israeli industry sources indicate that advanced Israeli air defense systems are not yet available.

Hayek explained that Israel has been cooperating with “a new friend”, with a long-term partnership. There will be considerations for both defense and cooperation.

The bilateral goods trade between Israel and the UAE reached almost $500 million by 2021, up from $125million in 2020. It is projected to grow rapidly.