UAE Denies Netanyahu's Alleged Secret Visit During Iran Conflict
The United Arab Emirates refutes claims by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office of a secret visit during the Iran conflict, emphasizing that all relations are conducted transparently under the Abraham Accords.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced that he secretly visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the recent conflict with Iran, meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The statement described the meeting as a "historic breakthrough" in bilateral relations.
In response, the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied the occurrence of any such visit or the reception of an Israeli military delegation. The ministry emphasized that the UAE's relations with Israel are public and conducted within the framework of the Abraham Accords, stating that any claims regarding unannounced visits or undisclosed arrangements are "entirely unfounded unless officially announced by the relevant authorities in the UAE."
This exchange follows reports that Israel deployed Iron Dome air-defense systems and personnel to the UAE to assist in defending against Iranian attacks during the conflict.
The UAE has faced Iranian missile and drone fire even after the ceasefire was reached last month. It has been trying to signal to nervous investors that it remains open for business and safe.
The Abraham Accords, established in 2020, normalized relations between Israel and the UAE, leading to increased diplomatic and security cooperation between the two nations.