Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Netanyahu had made a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates during the recent war with Iran, where he met with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The meeting. Described as a “historic breakthrough” in bilateral relations, took place in late March, according to sources cited by CBS News.

Denial from UAE

Hours after Israel’s announcement, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied the meeting occurred, stating that the UAE’s “relations with Israel are public and conducted within the framework of the well-known and officially declared Abraham Accords.” The ministry added that “any claims regarding unannounced visits or undisclosed arrangements are entirely unfounded unless officially announced by the relevant authorities in the UAE.”

Expanding Security Cooperation

The reported visit and increased cooperation between Israel and the UAE are part of a broader strategic alignment in the region, particularly concerning security threats linked to Iran. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee revealed that Israel had deployed Iron Dome air defense batteries and military personnel to the UAE to help counter potential Iranian attacks. He described the UAE as an “example of growing relations between Israel and Gulf Arab states.”

According to the Wall Street Journal. Mossad Director David Barnea made at least two visits to the UAE during the war with Iran to coordinate military actions. The UAE was also reported to have carried out secret strikes on Iran, including an attack on a refinery on Lavan island in early April, in retaliation for Iranian attacks on its oil facilities. However, the UAE has not publicly acknowledged these actions.

Abraham Accords and Geopolitical Shifts

The UAE was the first Islamic country to sign the Abraham Accords in 2020, which normalized diplomatic relations between Israel and four Arab nations. The UAE has since deepened its relationship with Israel, forming a de facto alliance that is more extensive than with other signatories like Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.

Emirati leaders have also pursued an independent foreign policy from their larger neighbor, Saudi Arabia. In early April, the UAE withdrew from the Saudi-led OPEC, a move that weakened the organization’s influence in global oil markets. The deepening relationship between Israel and the UAE, especially during a time of heightened regional tensions, signals a broader realignment of Middle Eastern alliances.

Netanyahu’s secret trip adds to a pattern of undisclosed diplomatic efforts, including a reported visit to the UAE in 2018, where he also met with MBZ. The current administration’s approach appears to prioritize strategic security cooperation over public transparency, particularly as the region braces for further conflict with Iran.