Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where he met with President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, resulting in what his office described as a 'historic breakthrough' in relations between Israel and the UAE. 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 PM Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited the UAE to meet President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, resulting in a 'historic breakthrough' in relations. The meeting occurred amid heightened tensions with Iran and included discussions on military coordination. Israel has sent Iron Dome air-defense systems to the UAE, highlighting deepening ties.
- Benjamin Netanyahu secretly met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed in Al Ain on March 26
- The meeting resulted in a 'historic breakthrough' in relations between Israel and the UAE
- Mossad Chief David Barnea made at least two visits to the UAE during the war with Iran for military coordination
- Israel sent Iron Dome air-defense batteries and personnel to operate them in the UAE, according to U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee
- The UAE has strengthened its relationship with Israel amid ongoing conflict with Iran
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. This move highlights the deepening relationship between Israel and the UAE amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The UAE was the first country to sign on to the Abraham Accords, a 2020 deal brokered by the United States that normalized diplomatic relations between Israel and four Arab nations. The accords have allowed for increased cooperation in various sectors, including military defense and intelligence sharing.
According to The Guardian, the UAE has also reportedly carried out its own strikes on Iran, including an attack on a refinery on Lavan Island in early April, in retaliation for Iranian attacks on its oil facilities. This information was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. The Emirati rulers have increasingly sought to chart an independent foreign policy course from their larger neighbor, Saudi Arabia.
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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