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UAE Denies Secret Visit by Israeli PM Netanyahu Amid War Tensions

The UAE has denied reports of a secret visit by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, calling them false. Netanyahu's office claimed the visit led to a historic breakthrough in relations. The UAE insists all ties are conducted via the Abraham Accords, not secret deals. Israeli security officials have reportedly visited the UAE amid the war with Iran.

Key Points: UAE Denies Reports of Netanyahu's Secret Visit

  • UAE denies reports of Netanyahu's secret visit
  • Ministry calls claims baseless unless officially announced
  • Netanyahu's office claimed a historic breakthrough
  • Mossad chief David Barnea visited UAE twice in March-April
2 min read

UAE denies reports of Israeli PM's visit to the country

UAE refutes claims of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's secret visit, calling reports false. Relations conducted via Abraham Accords, not secret deals.

"The visit led to a historic breakthrough in relations between Israel and the UAE. - Netanyahu's office"

Abu Dhabi, May 14

The United Arab Emirates has denied reports of a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the country, noting that reports claiming that the UAE had received the Israeli prime minister or any Israeli military delegation were false.

In a statement posted on social media platform X on Wednesday (local time), the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that its relations with Israel are conducted within the framework of the publicly known Abraham Accords, not based on secret arrangements.

The ministry added that any claims regarding undeclared visits or unofficial arrangements are baseless unless announced by the relevant official UAE authorities, reports Xinhua news agency.

It also called on media outlets to verify information and avoid circulating unconfirmed reports or using them to fuel political speculation.

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said that he made a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates and met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan amid the war with Iran.

"The visit led to a historic breakthrough in relations between Israel and the UAE," Netanyahu's office said in a statement, without providing details.

It is Netanyahu's first known visit to the UAE and the second time an Israeli prime minister has visited the Gulf country.

The announcement came amid media reports of recent visits to the UAE by Israel's top security officials, signalling deepening security ties between the two countries, which first normalised ties in 2020.

Mossad intelligence agency chief David Barnea visited the UAE at least twice in March and April to coordinate on the war with Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing Arab officials.

Israel's state-owned Kan News reported that Shin Bet internal security agency chief David Zini had also visited the UAE.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
UAE is smart to deny this. They don't want to be seen as cozying up to Israel while the Gaza conflict is ongoing and Iran is in the picture. But the secret visits by Mossad and Shin Bet chiefs show the real game is about security coordination against Iran. India's strategic interests align with both sides here - we need to watch how this plays out.
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Michael C
These conflicting statements from UAE and Israel remind me of how diplomatic relations work in the Middle East. UAE is publicly denying but privately engaging. The Abraham Accords were a game-changer, but with Iran tensions and public opinion in the Arab world, UAE has to maintain appearances. Smart move by both sides to keep some things behind closed doors.
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Vikram M
I'm not buying UAE's denial entirely. Netanyahu's office rarely makes such claims without some basis. The fact that Mossad and Shin Bet chiefs visited multiple times suggests deeper coordination. But UAE has to consider its image in the Muslim world, especially with Palestine issue still burning. India has maintained good relations with both Israel and Gulf countries - we should use this as a lesson in diplomatic discretion.
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Rohit P
Honestly, who cares about a secret visit? The real story is how the Abraham Accords have completely reshaped Middle East politics. UAE and Israel are now strategic partners against Iran. India should be learning from this - we need to engage both Israel and Arab nations without getting caught in their rivalries. This whole "deny but do it anyway" approach is typical Gulf diplomacy.
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Kavya N
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