Netanyahu Denies 'Fake News' About UAE Visit Amid Security Leak Complaint

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu forcefully refuted claims that his recent secret visit to the United Arab Emirates involved seeking a denial from Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan regarding prior warnings about a potential Hamas attack. In a strong statement, Netanyahu declared the reports to be "fake news," asserting that the visit, held at the personal invitation of the UAE president, focused solely on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing regional challenges.

The Prime Minister's Office confirmed the summit included the National Security Advisor, Mossad chief, Military Secretary, and Political Advisor, with discussions centered on strategic cooperation and complex regional issues. The UAE's state news agency corroborated the meeting, emphasizing its focus on bilateral relations, providing diplomatic backing to the visit's stated purpose.

Meanwhile, the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) filed a complaint with the chief military censor against Channel 12 for its report on the secret visit. The agency argued that the publication, which occurred while Netanyahu's plane was still airborne, constituted a severe censorship violation that endangered the Prime Minister's security and exposed operational methods. The Shin Bet stated the timing of the report put the Prime Minister, the operation, and forces in the field at risk, and jeopardized future operations.

The visit, which lasted approximately six hours on Sunday, reportedly involved Netanyahu traveling on a private jet to Abu Dhabi. The Prime Minister's Office declined to provide further details beyond the official statement. This controversy arises amid recent reports, including one from The New York Times citing sources, that the UAE president had warned Netanyahu of a possible Hamas attack in September 2023, a claim Netanyahu has vehemently denied.