Israeli PM's Office Reveals Netanyahu's Secret Visit to UAE During Attack on Iran
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, TEL AVIV — The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Netanyahu undertook a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) amid Israel’s and the US’s aggression towards Iran. This news heightens suspicions regarding the UAE’s crucial role in the attacks that began in February.
“Amid Operation ‘Roar of the Lion’, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates and met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed,” stated Netanyahu’s office.
The Israeli government claims that the visit resulted in a “historic breakthrough” in relations between Israel and the UAE. Netanyahu met with Mohammed bin Zayed for several hours in Al Ain, an oasis city on the border with Oman, on 26 March, according to a Reuters report.
A source told the news agency that Mossad director David Barnea made at least two visits to the UAE during the war with Iran to coordinate military actions. The intelligence chief’s visits were first reported by the Wall Street Journal.
The announcement came a day after the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, revealed that Israel had sent its Iron Dome air defence system along with operating personnel to the UAE during the war.
During the conflict, Iran is said to have attacked the UAE more than any other country in the Gulf region. Although a ceasefire came into effect last month, Abu Dhabi has reportedly still faced several missile and drone attacks from Iran.
The UAE itself is one of the United States’ main allies in the Middle East. The country is also among the Arab states that have official diplomatic relations with Israel following the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020, during the first term of US President Donald Trump.
Nevertheless, the UAE’s official news agency, WAM, has strongly denied the claims regarding Netanyahu’s visit. “The United Arab Emirates denies the information circulating about a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the country or the reception of an Israeli military delegation in UAE territory,” the WAM statement said.
The UAE emphasised that their relations with Israel are open and built within the framework of the Abraham Accords announced officially to the public.
“These relations are not built on secrecy or covert arrangements. Therefore, any claims regarding unannounced visits or arrangements are unfounded unless conveyed by UAE official authorities,” the statement continued.
The UAE government also urged the media to be cautious and not to disseminate undocumented information or information used to create certain political impressions.