Kamal Ghorui
The United Arab Emirates has denied reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a secret visit to the country during the recent Israel-US conflict with Iran, rejecting claims that it hosted either the Israeli leader or an Israeli military delegation.In a strongly worded statement, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said reports circulating about an alleged visit by Netanyahu or the arrival of an Israeli military delegation were false. The ministry said the UAE’s ties with Israel were conducted openly under the framework of the Abraham Accords and were “not based on non-transparent or unofficial arrangements”.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”. It also urged media organisations to “exercise accuracy and professionalism” and avoid spreading “unverified information or misleading political narratives”.The denial came after reports claimed Netanyahu had secretly travelled to the Emirates during the conflict with Iran and held talks with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. According to those reports, the meeting allegedly produced a “historic breakthrough” in relations between Israel and the UAE, which normalised ties in 2020 under the Abraham Accords.The controversy also drew a sharp reaction from Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned Gulf states against aligning too closely with Israel following the reports of Netanyahu’s alleged visit.In a post on X, Araghchi wrote: “Netanyahu has now publicly revealed what Iran’s security services long ago conveyed to our leadership. Enmity with the Great People of Iran is a foolish gamble. Collusion with Israel in doing so: unforgivable. Those colluding with Israel to sow division will be held to account.”Iran has long accused Gulf states, particularly the UAE, of allowing Israel to expand its military and intelligence presence in the region since the signing of the Abraham Accords. Tehran has repeatedly criticised the normalisation deal and warned neighbouring countries against security cooperation with Israel.The reports surrounding Netanyahu’s alleged trip emerged shortly after US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee disclosed that Israel had sent Iron Dome air defence systems and personnel to the UAE during the conflict. The deployment was seen as a sign of growing military coordination between the two countries.Although the UAE denied the reports of Netanyahu’s visit, relations between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv have visibly deepened in recent years. Israeli leaders have made several public visits to the Gulf state since ties were established in 2020, while economic, diplomatic and security cooperation has expanded steadily despite regional tensions.The UAE has also faced security concerns during the conflict. Iranian missile and drone attacks reportedly targeted areas linked to Gulf infrastructure during the war, prompting Gulf states to reassure investors and international businesses that the region remained stable and secure.
