Israel’s PM office alleged a covert UAE visit by Netanyahu, but the UAE denied the claim amid heightened regional tensions.
The United Arab Emirates denied reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a secret meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed during the Iran conflict. Netanyahu’s office had described the alleged March 26 meeting in Al-Ain as an historic diplomatic breakthrough, but the UAE foreign ministry called the claims unfounded, stating all relations with Israel are public.
Israel reportedly deployed Iron Dome missile defense systems to the UAE during the war, while Iran targeted UAE civilian and energy infrastructure more heavily than other Gulf states. The UAE’s oil export pipeline around the Strait of Hormuz provides partial resilience, though prolonged conflict risks undermining its role as a regional business hub.
A source familiar with the matter said Mossad chief Dedi Barnea made multiple visits to the UAE to coordinate military operations, but the UAE’s denial underscores tensions over undisclosed diplomatic engagements.