Israel Minister Makes History at UAE Judo Tourney

An Israeli minister attending a judo tournament in the UAE said Sunday she hoped to hear her national anthem played at the event, in another milestone towards rapprochement with the Arab world.

Culture and Sports Minister Miri Regev's presence in the United Arab Emirates capital Abu Dhabi marked the first time a minister from Israel attended a sports event in the Gulf, Israeli officials said.

It is also the first time an Israeli delegation participates there under its national flag, after the International Judo Federation warned UAE organizers they would cancel the competition unless all athletes were allowed to participate on an equal footing.

Last year, tournament organizers in Abu Dhabi banned the flag and national anthem of Israel, which has no diplomatic relations with Gulf states.

"I'm very proud to be here in Abu Dhabi representing Israel along with the judo team and our flag," Regev wrote on her Facebook page.

"I hope we win a gold medal and experience the thrilling moment of playing Hatikvah in the Abu Dhabi arena," she said, referring to Israel's national anthem.

Three Israeli judokas won bronze medals on Saturday, the first day of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, with Regev given the honor of awarding the medals for one of the categories.

Regev's trip to the UAE, which began on Thursday, coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to neighboring Oman, the first for an Israeli leader since 1996.

On the same day, an Israeli gymnastics delegation was in Qatar for the beginning of the world championships being held in Doha.

And on Monday, Communications Minister Ayoob Kara was to travel to Dubai to represent Israel at an international internet security conference, his office said.

Israel currently has full diplomatic relations with only two Arab states, Egypt and Jordan.

Netanyahu has long sought a rapprochement with other Arab states.

Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory, however, remains a major obstacle to official recognition from Arab countries.

Speaking of his Oman visit at a cabinet meeting Sunday, Netanyahu said it was thanks to his "diplomatic efforts" in the Arab world, adding: "There will be more."