Abu Dhabi (TDI): The United Arab Emirates has denied reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a secret visit to the country, following conflicting claims from Israeli officials.
Netanyahu’s office had earlier stated on Wednesday that the Israeli leader conducted a “secret visit” to the UAE during the recent Iran war, where he allegedly met UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The claim was described as part of what Israel called a “historic breakthrough” in bilateral relations.
However, the UAE Foreign Ministry rejected the reports, saying there was no basis for claims of an undisclosed visit or any meeting involving an Israeli military delegation.
In its statement, the ministry said relations between the UAE and Israel are conducted openly and transparently, and that any suggestion of unannounced or unofficial arrangements is unfounded unless formally confirmed by authorities.
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The clarification came after US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said Israel had deployed Iron Dome air defense systems and personnel to the UAE during the war with Iran, though Israeli authorities did not directly confirm that detail.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by criticizing the reported developments, saying that opposition to Iran’s people was a “miscalculated gamble” and warning against cooperation with Israel.
In a post on social media platform X, he said those involved in what he described as collaboration with Israel would be held accountable.
The UAE was among the countries affected by missile and drone activity during the recent Iran-Israel war, although a ceasefire has since been declared.
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The country maintains diplomatic relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords signed in 2020, making it one of the few Arab states with formal ties to Israel.
Despite normalization, regional tensions remain high, particularly in the aftermath of the Iran conflict and ongoing security developments across the Gulf.
