Netanyahu Says He Secretly Visited UAE During Iran War, Prompting Denial from Abu Dhabi
Primary region Middle East
Tags Diplomacy · Security
Regions Middle East
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he secretly visited the United Arab Emirates and met President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed during the war with Iran, calling it a 'historic breakthrough' in relations. The UAE foreign ministry denied the visit took place, insisting relations are conducted through official Abraham Accords frameworks. Reports indicate the meeting took place in Al-Ain. The disclosure came after U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee confirmed Israel sent Iron Dome batteries and personnel to the UAE. The Wall Street Journal reported the UAE also carried out covert strikes on Iranian targets, including a refinery on Lavan Island. Iran's Foreign Minister said Netanyahu had revealed what Iranian security services already knew.
Strategic interpretation
The UAE's denial despite Netanyahu's confirmation suggests Abu Dhabi wants the security cooperation with Israel to remain deniable, likely to manage domestic and regional opinion. The deployment of Iron Dome to the UAE and reported Emirati strikes on Iran represent a significant deepening of the Abraham Accords alliance into active military coordination. This de facto Israel-UAE security partnership against Iran could reshape Gulf security architecture, but the UAE's insistence on official channels signals it is not ready for full public normalization of military ties.