Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed he made a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the war with Iran, meeting President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. According to sources who spoke to CBS News, the meeting occurred on March 26 in Al-Ain, an oasis city near the Oman border.
Key Takeaways
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed he made a secret visit to the UAE during the war with Iran, meeting President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The UAE denied this claim, stating their relations are public. Mossad Chief David Barnea also reportedly visited the UAE for military coordination.
- Netanyahu claims secret March 26 meeting in Al-Ain
- UAE denies any secret visit occurred
- Mossad Chief made at least two visits to coordinate military actions
- Israel sent Iron Dome air-defense batteries and personnel to UAE
- Both countries are under scrutiny for alleged war crimes
A source familiar with the meeting told Reuters that Netanyahu and bin Zayed met for several hours. This is not the first time Netanyahu has visited the UAE; a U.S. official noted that he also traveled there in 2018 to meet with bin Zayed.
The visit comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Gulf states, including the UAE. According to reports from Reuters, Mossad Chief David 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.
The UAE has strengthened its relationships with both the United States and Israel, particularly after coming under attack from Iran. As reported by Al Jazeera, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee confirmed that Israel had sent Iron Dome air-defense batteries and personnel to operate them in the UAE.
The UAE denied Netanyahu's claim of a secret visit, stating through its foreign ministry that Emirati relations with Israel 'are public' and 'not based on non-transparent or unofficial arrangements'. The denial came after Netanyahu's office described the meeting as an 'historic breakthrough' in relations between the two countries.
Both Israel and the UAE have close relationships with the Trump administration, which have been deepened by their involvement in the Iran war. However, they are vulnerable to a change of administration and policy direction in Washington. Both countries are under intense scrutiny for their alleged involvement in war crimes.
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