The United Arab Emirates has firmly denied reports that Benjamin Netanyahu conducted a covert visit to the Gulf state during the US-Israel military escalation involving Iran.
The statement comes amid rising regional tensions and growing cooperation between Israel and Gulf countries.
Abu Dhabi stressed that all diplomatic relations remain official and publicly known.
The UAE state news agency WAM said its relationship with Israel is “public and transparent,” established under the framework of the Abraham Accords.
It strongly rejected suggestions of any undisclosed diplomatic activity.
The statement added that any claims of secret visits or arrangements are “baseless” unless confirmed by official Emirati authorities.
Netanyahu’s alleged meeting claim
The denial followed a statement from Netanyahu’s office, which claimed he held a meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during a “secret visit.”
The Israeli side described the meeting as a “historic breakthrough,” but did not provide details on the timing or location.
Growing UAE-Israel relations since Abraham Accords
Since the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020, relations between the UAE and Israel have gradually expanded, particularly in trade, diplomacy, and security cooperation.
The UAE said its engagement with Israel is based on formal agreements and does not involve hidden arrangements.
The accords were initially framed as a landmark US-brokered normalization deal, shifting long-standing regional dynamics.
The dispute comes amid heightened tensions linked to Iran, with reports of expanding security coordination between Israel and Gulf states.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee recently said Israel had deployed Iron Dome systems and personnel to the UAE to counter potential Iranian threats.
The UAE also reported that Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed received calls from regional leaders, including Netanyahu, after Iranian attacks earlier in May.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu continues to face international legal pressure after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant over alleged war crimes related to Gaza, further intensifying scrutiny of Israel’s leadership.
