The US State Department and the UAE Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment
UAE
The blockages drew criticism from other members including Britain, the United States, European Union & India
Cyprus’ Defence Ministry said in a statement that the agreement with the UAE foresees the holding of joint military maneuvers & training programs
Despite Israel’s key role in founding the EMGF its official membership was held up due to opposition from Environmental Protection Minister
Abu Dhabi announced that it has joined the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum based in Cairo, as part of efforts to counter Turkey’s ambitions in the area
Both the UAE & Greece have worked more closely with Israel
In 2011 when funding for it ended the US shut down its F-22 production line & its sale to foreign militaries was banned by federal law
Israel is the only country in the Middle East to have the aircraft
US & UAE hope to have an agreement on the sale of F-35 in place by December and Washington studies how to do it without running afoul of Israel
If the report is true, the geopolitical impact of such a move in the Eastern Mediterranean will be tremendous on many different levels