Netanyahu's secret UAE meeting during Iran war comes to light

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a previously undisclosed meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the Israel-Iran war, marking what Israel described as a major step forward in ties between the two countries amid escalating regional tensions.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Netanyahu’s office said the meeting led to a “historic breakthrough” in relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. The talks reportedly took place secretly on March 26 in the Emirati city of Al-Ain, near the Oman border, and lasted several hours.

The meeting is believed to be the first publicly confirmed encounter between Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, widely known as MBZ, since the outbreak of the conflict involving Iran.

According to a source familiar with the discussions, Mossad chief Dedi Barnea also travelled to the UAE at least twice during the war to coordinate military-related matters between the two countries. The Wall Street Journal had earlier reported on Barnea’s visits.

The disclosures highlight the growing strategic alignment between Israel and the UAE since the two nations normalised relations under the 2020 Abraham Accords. The UAE has increasingly viewed its ties with Israel as a means to expand regional influence and strengthen access to Washington.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said on Tuesday that Israel deployed Iron Dome missile defence batteries and personnel to the UAE during the conflict to help defend against Iranian attacks.

The UAE, a major regional business and financial centre, was among the Gulf states targeted by Iran in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes. Iranian attacks reportedly struck civilian infrastructure and energy facilities in the country.

Despite the attacks, the UAE remains better positioned than some regional neighbours due to infrastructure such as an oil pipeline that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz, allowing partial continuation of exports during disruptions.

However, analysts warn that prolonged instability could threaten the UAE’s status as a global commercial hub known for security, connectivity and economic openness in the Middle East.

- Ends