Netanyahu made secret UAE trip during war on Iran
Reports of covert visits by Israeli officials to UAE during US-Israeli war on Iran have confirmed Tehran's accusations that Gulf states aided military operations against Islamic Republic
MNTV Desk
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a previously undisclosed visit to the United Arab Emirates during the recent U.S.-Israeli war against Iran and met UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Netanyahu’s office announced Wednesday.
The prime minister’s office described the visit as a “historic breakthrough” in relations between Israel and the UAE but did not disclose when the trip took place. The announcement marked the first public acknowledgment by Israel of a Netanyahu visit to the Gulf state.
According to Press TV citing a news agency, Netanyahu and Mohammed bin Zayed met March 26 in Al Ain near the Omani border and held talks for several hours.
The reported breakthrough fueled speculation that it was linked to the deployment of an Israeli Iron Dome air defense system in the UAE following Iranian retaliatory strikes during the conflict.
The disclosures came amid mounting reports of Israeli-Emirati coordination during the war. The Wall Street Journal, citing Arab officials and other sources, reported that Mossad chief David Barnea secretly traveled to Abu Dhabi at least twice in March and April to coordinate military operations against Iran.
Israeli broadcaster Kan also reported that Shin Bet chief David Zini visited the UAE in recent weeks, while additional reports said Israeli war ministry officials led security delegations to Abu Dhabi as preparations for operations against Iran intensified.
According to earlier reports by The Wall Street Journal, the UAE also carried out a series of covert operations against Iran during the conflict, including an alleged strike on a refinery on Iran’s Lavan Island in early April.
Axios previously reported that Israel secretly deployed an Iron Dome battery and military personnel to the UAE days after Washington and Tel Aviv launched attacks against Iran in late February. The report said Abu Dhabi sought urgent assistance following Iranian missile and drone strikes.
Iranian authorities have repeatedly accused the UAE of assisting U.S. and Israeli military operations by hosting foreign forces, sharing intelligence and allowing its territory and airbases to be used for attacks against Iran.
During the 40-day conflict, the United States and Israel reportedly used bases and facilities in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE and Jordan to conduct airstrikes against Iranian territory.
In response, Iranian armed forces launched more than 100 waves of missile and drone strikes targeting U.S. and Israeli positions across the region and in the occupied territories, according to Iranian officials.
UAE’s collusion with Israel unforgivable: Araghchi
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sharply criticized the UAE’s reception of Netanyahu, saying on X that “collusion with Israel” against Iran would be “unforgivable.”
“Those colluding with Israel to sow division will be held to account,” Araghchi wrote.
Tehran has repeatedly warned that any country facilitating attacks against Iran would bear direct responsibility for the consequences.
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