United Arab Emirates (UAE) has strongly denied claims that Benjamin Netanyahu made a “secret visit” to the Gulf nation during the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
The denial came after Netanyahu’s office released a statement on Wednesday claiming that the Israeli leader secretly travelled to the UAE to strengthen diplomatic and military ties.
According to the statement issued by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the visit resulted in a “historic breakthrough” in relations between Israel and the UAE.
Netanyahu office claims secret meeting took place
The statement from Netanyahu’s office described the reported visit as a major diplomatic development during the ongoing military operation.
“In the midst of Operation Roaring Lion, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited the United Arab Emirates, where he met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. This visit has led to a historic breakthrough in relations between Israel and the UAE,” read the statement issued by the Israeli PMO.
Prime Minister's Office Statement:
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) May 13, 2026
In the midst of Operation Roaring Lion, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited the United Arab Emirates, where he met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.
UAE foreign ministry dismisses report
The UAE quickly rejected the Israeli claims through an official statement issued by its foreign ministry. “The United Arab Emirates denies reports circulating regarding an alleged visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the UAE, or receiving any Israeli military delegation in the country,” the UAE said.
The Gulf nation also stressed that its relationship with Israel remains transparent and publicly acknowledged under the Abraham Accords.
“The UAE reaffirms that its relations with Israel are public and conducted within the framework of the well-known and officially declared Abraham Accords, and are not based on non-transparent or unofficial arrangements. Accordingly, any claims regarding unannounced visits or undisclosed arrangements are entirely unfounded unless officially announced by the relevant authorities in the UAE,” the statement added.
الإمارات تنفي ما يتم تداوله بشأن زيارة رئيس الوزراء الإسرائيلي أو استقبال وفد عسكري إسرائيلي pic.twitter.com/rl5XSzX2RG
— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) May 13, 2026
Reuters report mentions earlier meeting
A report by Reuters said sources familiar with the matter claimed that Netanyahu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, also known as MBZ, met on March 26.
According to Reuters, the reported meeting focused mainly on military coordination during the conflict. The report surfaced shortly after Netanyahu’s office released details about the alleged secret visit.
Iron Dome deployment adds to speculation
The controversy also follows comments made by Mike Huckabee. Huckabee recently revealed that Tel Aviv had sent Iron Dome interception system batteries to the UAE during the peak of the Iran conflict.
The move reportedly aimed to strengthen regional defence against possible Iranian missile attacks.
Iran conflict has increased regional tensions
The US-Israeli war against Iran began on February 28. Following attacks by American and Israeli forces and the killing of Ali Khamenei, Iran launched retaliatory strikes targeting Gulf countries hosting American military assets.
The UAE became one of the major targets during the conflict. Reports stated that Iran carried out multiple missile and drone attacks against the Gulf nation even after the fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran came into effect.
UAE remains key US ally in region
The UAE continues to remain an important strategic ally of the United States of America in West Asia. It was also the first Arab country to sign the Abraham Accords with Israel. The Abraham Accords were brokered in 2020 by Donald Trump during his first term as US president.
Abraham Accords reshaped regional ties
The Abraham Accords established formal diplomatic ties between Israel and several Arab nations. The agreements recognised Israel as a state and promoted economic, diplomatic, and security cooperation across the region. Current signatories include Bahrain, the UAE, Morocco, Sudan, and Israel.
Gaza war strained UAE-Israel relationship
Despite the agreements, relations between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv have faced growing tension since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023. Diplomatic normalisation efforts slowed significantly after the conflict began.
The UAE has remained unhappy with Israel’s refusal to support a two-state solution that would guarantee statehood for Palestine. The Gaza conflict has further deepened tensions in the region.
According to the report, the war has killed more than 72,000 Palestinians and displaced over a million people across the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank.