Netanyahu Held Secret Regional Talks in UAE on Iran, Houthis

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Abu Dhabi on Sunday, meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. The visit, officially confirmed by both Israel and the UAE, focused on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing regional challenges. Netanyahu's delegation included the head of the National Security Council, the Mossad chief, and his military secretary.

However, Israeli media reports, citing sources, revealed that the visit also included a secret meeting with representatives from several regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Jordan, as well as other Gulf nations that do not have diplomatic ties with Israel. The Mossad chief reportedly organized the meeting, which was hosted by the UAE president.

According to the reports, the secret talks centered on Iran and its regional proxies, particularly the Houthi threat in the Red Sea. The discussions were reportedly prompted by a Saudi request for Israeli assistance against Houthi attacks. Israel offered to help regional countries with air defense systems, similar to aid provided to the UAE during a past conflict with Iran.

The reports also noted the arrival of several military and government aircraft in Abu Dhabi during Netanyahu's visit, including a Moroccan Hercules plane and a UAE government plane from Riyadh. The visit was reportedly postponed from the previous week due to President bin Zayed's absence from the country.

Netanyahu traveled on a private jet owned by an Israeli businessman, the same aircraft used for his previous visit to Abu Dhabi during the recent conflict. The visit was brief, lasting only a few hours. The Shin Bet security agency reportedly filed a complaint against Channel 12 for publishing details of the visit before Netanyahu's return, citing security risks.

Separately, a report by the Associated Press cited sources claiming Netanyahu visited to seek a denial from bin Zayed regarding alleged warnings about an impending Hamas attack before October 7. Netanyahu's office dismissed this report as "fake news," stating the visit was solely about bilateral relations and regional challenges.