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2h ago

Netanyahu’s Secret Visit to UAE Confirmed by Both Sides

Signaling deeper Gulf‑Israel security ties, the trip also reopened contested questions about pre‑Oct. 7 warnings as Israel heads into its October election.

Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman meets UAE Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, September 29, 2026. Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY
Israeli media had reported that Saudi officials were present at a wider meeting held after Netanyahu's talks with the UAE president.
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud meets UAE Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, September 29, 2026. Saudi Press Agencyt/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY
The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, delivers a speech during a banquet official toast at the official presidential residence, in Berlin, Germany, September 10, 2026. Omer Messinger/Pool via REUTERS

Overview

  • Both the UAE and the Israeli prime minister’s office confirmed that Benjamin Netanyahu met UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi during a previously undisclosed visit on Sunday.
  • Israeli officials said the private meeting included senior security figures and lasted several hours with Iran and regional threats forming a central part of the discussions.
  • The Associated Press reported Netanyahu sought a public denial from the UAE about a Haaretz story that MBZ warned Israel before Oct. 7, 2023, a claim Netanyahu’s office has denied.
  • Israel’s internal security service filed a formal complaint with the military censor over Israeli Channel 12’s early reporting of the trip, saying the disclosure endangered lives and operations.
  • Reports that the visit expanded into a 10‑country summit are unconfirmed and several states have denied participation, while the episode feeds election‑period scrutiny of Netanyahu’s handling of pre‑Oct. 7 intelligence.