UAE and Israel Announce Netanyahu's Abu Dhabi Visit and Meeting with Bin Zayed

The United Arab Emirates and Israel officially announced on Monday evening that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Abu Dhabi on Sunday and met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. The visit, which was not previously disclosed, came a day after its occurrence.

Netanyahu's office stated that the Prime Minister and his wife visited the UAE at the invitation of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing regional challenges. The Israeli National Security Advisor, the head of the Mossad, Netanyahu's military secretary, and his political advisor also participated in the visit.

The official UAE news agency, WAM, confirmed that Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed received Netanyahu, and that the two sides discussed ways to enhance and develop bilateral relations between the UAE and Israel. No further details about the discussions were provided.

The visit was revealed on Sunday before Netanyahu's return to Israel. The Shin Bet subsequently filed a complaint with the Military Censor against Channel 12 for publishing the news, arguing that the timing of the report endangered Netanyahu, his delegation, and forces in the field.

Earlier on Monday, two sources familiar with the visit reported that Netanyahu traveled to the UAE to seek a denial of reports claiming Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed had warned him of an impending Hamas attack before October 7, 2023. According to Associated Press, the meeting lasted about an hour, with another source indicating discussions centered on this prior report and Netanyahu's request for a denial from the UAE President.

Israeli public broadcaster Kan 11 reported that Netanyahu's visit was originally scheduled for the previous week, before his UN General Assembly address. Preparations for his departure were advanced, but the trip was postponed at the last minute when the UAE informed Israel that Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed was not in the country. Netanyahu reportedly traveled on a private jet owned by an Israeli businessman, a plane previously used by Israeli officials for foreign trips, including Netanyahu's prior visit to Abu Dhabi during the war on Iran. The visit was brief, with Netanyahu's plane departing Ben Gurion Airport after noon, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 3:10 PM, and leaving at 7:10 PM to return to Israel shortly after 10 PM.