The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has claimed that Benjamin Netanyahu conducted a “secret” visit to the United Arab Emirates during the recent war with Iran, alleging that he met UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed in what Israeli officials described as a major diplomatic breakthrough.
In a statement, Netanyahu’s office said the meeting took place during Operation “Rising Lion”, claiming the visit represented “a historic breakthrough in relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates”.
According to a source familiar with the reported meeting, Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed allegedly met in Al Ain on 26 March. The city sits near the border with Oman, and the meeting reportedly lasted several hours.
The same source claimed that Mossad chief David Barnea made at least two visits to the UAE during the war with Iran in order to coordinate military operations. The Wall Street Journal was the first outlet to report Barnea’s alleged visits. Israeli authorities have neither confirmed nor denied the reports.
UAE Rejects Claims of Netanyahu Visit
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs later denied what it described as circulating claims regarding Netanyahu’s visit or the reception of any Israeli military delegation on Emirati soil.
In an official statement, the ministry said the UAE’s relationship with Israel is “public and established” through the Abraham Accords and “does not rely on secrecy or hidden arrangements”.
The statement added that any claims regarding undeclared visits or covert arrangements “have no basis in fact unless issued by the competent official authorities in the UAE”.
Abu Dhabi also called on media outlets to verify information carefully and avoid spreading unverified reports that could be used to shape political narratives.
Last week, the UAE’s state news agency WAM reported that Netanyahu was among several leaders who contacted the Emirati president to condemn Iranian attacks and express solidarity with the UAE.
Expanding Israeli and Emirati Coordination
The UAE has continued to deepen its ties with both the United States and Israel, particularly after facing attacks during the war with Iran. These relations fall under the framework of the Abraham Accords signed in 2020.
Abu Dhabi has increasingly viewed its relationship with Israel as a strategic channel to strengthen regional influence and secure closer access to Washington.
Israel Reportedly Sent Iron Dome Systems to UAE
On Tuesday, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee claimed that Israel deployed Iron Dome defence batteries and personnel to the UAE during the war with Iran.
Netanyahu’s office did not confirm the remarks.
Iranian strikes targeting Gulf states in response to US and Israeli attacks reportedly hit the UAE harder than several neighbouring countries, damaging civilian infrastructure and energy facilities.
Unlike many Gulf states, the UAE operates an oil pipeline that allows part of its exports to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, giving it greater resilience during prolonged regional disruptions. However, continued escalation threatens Abu Dhabi’s image as a stable global economic hub capable of guaranteeing regional security and commercial stability.
