The United Arab Emirates is said to be mulling a downgrade in its diplomatic ties with Israel over statements by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s denying the existence of a Palestinian people, according to the Saudi-owned Arabic Elaph outlet.

Senior United Arab Emirates government official Khaldoon Al Mubarak was sent by UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to express the Gulf country’s concerns over the Israeli government’s attitude towards Palestinians.