UAE Denies Netanyahu’s Alleged Secret Visit During Iran War

The United Arab Emirates, UAE, has denied reports claiming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited the country during the war with Iran.

Earlier, Netanyahu’s office released a statement alleging that the Israeli leader made a confidential trip to the UAE and met with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

However, the UAE’s official news agency, WAM, dismissed the claim, stating: “The United Arab Emirates denies what is being circulated regarding a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the country, or the reception of any Israeli military delegation on its territory.”

The UAE added that its relationship with Israel is public and based on the Abraham Accords, not secret arrangements. “Any claims regarding undisclosed visits or arrangements are baseless unless issued by the relevant official authorities in the UAE,” the statement said. The government also urged media organisations to avoid spreading unverified information.

Political analyst Harlan Ullman told Al Jazeera that Israel is trying to strengthen ties with Gulf nations as part of preparations for possible future tensions with Iran. According to him, Israel sees Iran as an ongoing existential threat and believes Tehran may continue pursuing nuclear weapons despite the outcome of the current conflict.