Israel’s Netanyahu made ‘secret’ visit to UAE during Iran war

The PM’s meeting with the Emirati president marks a ‘historic breakthrough’ in relations between the two countries

Israeli Prime ⁠Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the ⁠United Arab Emirates and met ⁠the Emirati president during the war with Iran, the Prime Minister’s Office said on Wednesday in what would be their first confirmed meeting.

According to the statement, the meeting resulted in a “historic breakthrough” in relations between ‌Israel and the UAE.

A source familiar with the meeting said Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed (MBZ) met in Al-Ain, an oasis city by the Oman border, on March 26 and that their meeting lasted several hours.

The source said that Mossad Chief Dedi Barnea made at least two visits to the UAE during ⁠the war with Iran to coordinate military actions. The intelligence chief’s visit was first reported by ‌The Wall Street Journal.

Especially after coming under attack during the Iran war, the UAE has strengthened its relationships with the United States ‌and Israel, with which it opened ties in the 2020 Abraham Accords. It ⁠views the relationship ⁠with Israel as a lever for regional influence and a unique channel to Washington.

Israel sent batteries for its ‌Iron Dome interception system and personnel to operate them to the UAE during the war, US Ambassador to Israel ‌Mike Huckabee ‌said on Tuesday.