UAE Refutes Netanyahu’s Alleged Covert Visit Amid Iran-Israel Tensions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alleged a covert visit to the UAE amid rising tensions in the recent Israel-Iran conflict, claiming he met with President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The UAE responded swiftly, dismissing these assertions and stating that no secret meetings or military arrangements took place.

According to Netanyahu's office on X, the Prime Minister visited Al Ain on March 26, calling the alleged meeting a 'historic breakthrough' for UAE-Israel relations during a critical time in West Asia.

The Israeli statement suggested that the discussions with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, often referred to as MBZ, focused on regional security and strategic alignment amidst the ongoing war with Iran.

However, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs promptly issued a statement refuting these claims. They clarified that Netanyahu did not visit the UAE, nor did any Israeli military delegations arrive.

Furthermore, the UAE reaffirmed that its relations with Israel are transparently managed within the scope of the Abraham Accords, which normalized bilateral ties in 2020.

The ministry emphasized that any assertions concerning clandestine visits or undisclosed arrangements were 'completely unfounded' unless made public by UAE authorities.

These contradictory statements emerged as reports indicated enhanced security collaboration between Israel and the UAE in light of escalating tensions with Iran.

As reported by Reuters, a source familiar with the issue noted that Mossad chief Dedi Barnea had purportedly visited the UAE multiple times during the conflict to discuss military coordination.

In parallel, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee confirmed that Israel dispatched an Iron Dome air defense system to the UAE following a request from the Emirati leadership, marking its first overseas deployment.

This deployment is believed to have occurred after Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on several Gulf countries, including the UAE, following joint US-Israeli military strikes against Iran.

Despite the strengthening of economic and security bonds since the Abraham Accords, Abu Dhabi seeks to distance itself from some Israeli military initiatives in the region, particularly during conflicts involving Gaza and ongoing tensions with Iran.