The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday rejected claims by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office that he secretly visited the country during the ongoing conflict with Iran and held talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The denial came shortly after Netanyahu’s office said the Israeli leader had travelled to the UAE during the war and secured what it described as a “historic breakthrough” in bilateral relations.
In a strongly worded statement, the UAE foreign ministry dismissed suggestions that the country was involved in undisclosed or unofficial arrangements with Israel.
“Emirati relations with Israel are public and not based on non-transparent or unofficial arrangements,” the ministry said.
“Any claims regarding unannounced visits or undisclosed arrangements are entirely unfounded unless officially announced by the relevant authorities in the UAE.”
The statement appeared aimed at distancing Abu Dhabi from reports of behind-the-scenes wartime coordination amid heightened regional tensions.
Reports Of Wartime Coordination
Despite the denial, a source familiar with the matter said Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohammed met in the UAE city of Al-Ain near the Oman border on March 26, with discussions reportedly lasting several hours.
The same source claimed Mossad chief Dedi Barnea made multiple visits to the UAE during the conflict to coordinate military-related activities between Israel and Emirati officials.
The Wall Street Journal earlier reported on Barnea’s wartime travel to the Gulf state.
The UAE has increasingly deepened security and strategic coordination with both the United States and Israel since formalising ties with Israel under the 2020 Abraham Accords.
Iran War Deepens Regional Security Cooperation
The Iran conflict has accelerated regional security cooperation between Washington, Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said this week that Israel deployed Iron Dome missile defence batteries and personnel to the UAE during the war to help defend against Iranian attacks.
Iran targeted several Gulf states during the conflict, with the UAE reportedly facing heavier strikes than some of its regional neighbours. Iranian attacks allegedly hit civilian infrastructure and energy-related facilities inside the Emirates.
The war has exposed the Gulf’s vulnerability to disruptions in regional trade and energy flows, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz a critical maritime route for global oil shipments.
UAE Balances Security And Economic Stability
Unlike some Gulf countries, the UAE possesses infrastructure that allows part of its oil exports to bypass the Strait of Hormuz through alternative pipeline routes.
However, analysts say prolonged instability still threatens the UAE’s role as one of the Middle East’s most important financial, business and logistics hubs.
The UAE has pursued an increasingly assertive foreign policy over the past decade, expanding its influence across the Middle East and Africa while maintaining close strategic ties with Washington.
Its relationship with Israel is also viewed as an important channel for maintaining influence in Washington and enhancing regional security cooperation.
The latest controversy highlights the political sensitivity surrounding Gulf-Israel coordination during the Iran conflict, even as regional security ties continue to deepen behind the scenes.
(with inputs from Reuters)