Netanyahu reveals secret UAE trip during Iran war; UAE denies

The dramatic disclosure follows earlier reporting that Israel’s intelligence chiefs were also operating behind the scenes in the Gulf.

By United with Israel Staff

After earlier reports that senior Israeli officials made quiet trips to the United Arab Emirates during the war, a new revelation has shed light on the highest level of those contacts.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu himself made a secret visit to the UAE during Operation Roaring Lion, where he met with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The visit, which had not been disclosed until now, was described by Israeli officials as a “historic breakthrough” in relations between the two countries, underscoring the depth of coordination during the conflict with Iran.

However, the United Arab Emirates swiftly denied the reports, with its Foreign Ministry stating that it “categorically rejects” claims that Netanyahu visited the country or that any Israeli military delegation was received on its soil.

The statement emphasized that relations with Israel are conducted within the framework of the Abraham Accords and are “clear and public,” not based on “secret arrangements or undisclosed visits.” The ministry added that any such claims lacking official confirmation “have no basis in truth” and urged media outlets to verify information and avoid spreading unsubstantiated reports.

The dramatic disclosure follows earlier reporting that Israel’s intelligence chiefs were also operating behind the scenes in the Gulf.

The head of Israel’s Mossad, David Barnea, visited the UAE at least twice during the war to coordinate operations against Iran, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. The visits highlighted intensive intelligence-sharing and operational coordination as Iran launched waves of missile and drone attacks across the region.

Additional reporting by Israel’s Kan News revealed that Shin Bet chief David Zini also traveled to the UAE in recent weeks in what was described as an unprecedented visit amid the ceasefire and ongoing tensions with Iran.

According to the reports, the cooperation extended beyond intelligence coordination. Israel deployed Iron Dome batteries and dozens of personnel to the Emirates to help defend against Iranian missile and drone attacks.

At the same time, regional partners were also taking direct military action. The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this week that the UAE carried out covert strikes inside Iran, including targeting a key oil refinery on Lavan Island, after sustaining heavy bombardment from Tehran.

Separate reporting indicated that Saudi Arabia also conducted covert airstrikes inside Iran in response to attacks on its territory, marking a rare and largely undisclosed escalation by Gulf states during the conflict.

Taken together, the revelations point to a deeply coordinated regional effort against Iran, with Israel and its Gulf partners working closely behind the scenes at both the political and operational levels.

Abraham AccordsBenjamin NetanyahuUAE