Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates during the ongoing war with Iran, his office confirmed on Wednesday.
In a statement, Netanyahu’s office said the visit took place “in the midst of Operation ‘Roar of the Lion’” and included talks with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The statement described the meeting as leading to a “historic breakthrough” in relations between Israel and the UAE.
According to international media reports, the meeting was held in Al Ain and lasted several hours. Reuters reported the discussions focused on regional security and diplomatic relations. The UAE has not officially confirmed the visit.
The UAE and Israel established diplomatic relations under the 2020 Abraham Accords, but ties have come under strain during the Iran war and the conflict in Gaza. Earlier this week, Newswire reported that the UAE struck Iran’s Lavan Island refinery in secret retaliation following Iranian attacks on Emirati territory, marking the first time a Gulf Arab state was identified as an active warring party against Tehran.
The visit comes against the backdrop of Netanyahu’s repeated statements that the Iran campaign is not yet over and parallel US efforts at de-escalation. President Donald Trump is on a parallel regional tour, having begun a China trip with the Iran war and Taiwan on the agenda.
