JERUSALEM (Reuters) – An Israeli cabinet minister’s visit to Abu Dhabi’s grand mosque gave more momentum on Monday to Israel’s diplomatic push in the Gulf, where it sees Arab states as its natural allies against regional powerhouse Iran.

Israel’s Culture Minister Miri Regev (C) visits the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates October 28, 2018. Picture taken October 28, 2018. Chen Kedem Maktubi/Israeli Culture Minister Spokesperson/Handout via REUTERS

“I am happy that I was privileged to be the first senior official from Israel to sign the mosque’s guest book,” Sports Minister Miri Regev wrote on Facebook about the tour which she said took place on Sunday.

On Sunday, Regev, in the United Arab Emirates for a judo tournament, fought back tears after Israel’s team won gold in the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam – a feat which allowed the Israeli national anthem to be played in a country that does not formally recognize it.

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