Israeli media reports published on Sunday have triggered widespread controversy and anger in Emirati and regional circles after claiming that Abu Dhabi carried out a strike inside Iranian territory targeting a water desalination facility.
Newspapers including Yedioth Ahronoth and The Jerusalem Post released simultaneous reports alleging that the United Arab Emirates launched an attack on an Iranian desalination plant. The reports portrayed the strike as a message directed at the Iranian government, while also suggesting that Abu Dhabi could join the campaign in a limited capacity if Iranian attacks escalate.
The UAE quickly issued a categorical denial of these claims. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released an official statement affirming that the country is acting within the framework of self defence against what it described as Iranian aggression, while stressing that the UAE does not seek to become drawn into further conflict or escalation.
A source close to the Emirati government told Kan broadcaster correspondent Roi Kais that Abu Dhabi finds it difficult to understand the Israeli approach and the nature of the briefings emerging from Israel. The source said such statements do not serve regional efforts and could harm relations, adding that it is inappropriate for a senior Israeli official to speak on behalf of another sovereign state or circulate rumours regarding its activities.
Meanwhile, Ariel Kahana, diplomatic correspondent for Israel Hayom, expressed strong frustration over the leak. He described the individual responsible for leaking the story as a fool who caused significant damage to what he described as special relations with a friendly country during wartime.
Kahana stressed that the report was incorrect and warned that publishing information about another country’s activities is harmful and arrogant. He cautioned that such leaks could ultimately damage Israeli national security itself by distancing Gulf states from any potential participation.
Later, the Emirati ambassador to Tel Aviv, Mohamed Al Khaja, reposted Kahana’s tweet criticising the leak about the UAE’s alleged involvement in the war.
Journalist Lazar Berman from The Times of Israel quoted an Emirati source saying there was genuine anger in Abu Dhabi over the leak. The source said the UAE is not in the business of confirming or denying rumours, and that if it takes any action it will announce it publicly. The source also stated that the UAE would not target civilian infrastructure, as it accused the Iranian side of doing.
Emirati Anger
From the official Emirati side, Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, head of the Defence Affairs Committee in the Federal National Council, described the reports as false news.
Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, also criticised the leaks, stating that any defensive actions would be public and clear and would not rely on anonymous or unclear leaks.
Emirati academic Abdulkhaleq Abdulla also rejected the reports, saying the story was inaccurate and that the UAE, which he described as measured and wise, does not target civilian facilities.
