Netanyahu's 'Secret UAE Visit' During Iran War Sparks Diplomatic Row as Abu Dhabi Denies Meeting

Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has denied that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a secret visit to the Gulf country. This denial comes after the Israeli Prime Minister's Office claimed that Netanyahu made a secret visit to the UAE during the war with Iran. According to the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, Netanyahu met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

What did Israel say?

On Wednesday, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office issued a statement on X, stating that the Israeli leader had secretly visited the UAE during Operation Roaring Lion and met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed. 

The Israeli PMO said that this visit resulted in a historic breakthrough in relations between the two countries. 

"In the midst of Operation Roaring Lion, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited the United Arab Emirates, where he met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed," the statement read.

"This visit has led to a historic breakthrough in relations between Israel and the UAE," it added.

The office did not specify when the visit took place. However, according to media reports, Netanyahu visited the UAE on March 26, and the two leaders met in the city of Al Ain, near the Oman border.

Did UAE deny?

However, shortly after, the UAE Foreign Ministry dismissed these claims, stating that the claims about Netanyahu's visit were completely baseless, and stressed that relations between the two countries were not based on informal arrangements.

The UAE Foreign Ministry, in a statement issued on X, dismissed reports of Netanyahu's visit to the country or the reception of any Israeli military delegation. The statement said the UAE rejects reports of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's alleged visit to the UAE or the reception of any Israeli military delegation in the country.

"The United Arab Emirates denies reports circulating regarding an alleged visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the UAE, or receiving any Israeli military delegation in the country," its foreign ministry said in a statement.

"The UAE reaffirms that its relations with Israel are public and conducted within the framework of the well-known and officially declared Abraham Accords, and are not based on non-transparent or unofficial arrangements. Accordingly, any claims regarding unannounced visits or undisclosed arrangements are entirely unfounded unless officially announced by the relevant authorities in the UAE," it added.

Did Iran threatens UAE?

Following the announcement of the visit, Iran threatened to hold accountable those colluding with Israel. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X: "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."