Netanyahu Meets Gulf Representatives, Including Saudis, in UAE

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with representatives from Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, during a visit to the United Arab Emirates on Sunday. The meeting, which also reportedly included delegates from Morocco, Libya, Jordan, and Qatar, was prepared by Mossad chief Roman Gofman and hosted by UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed. The discussions focused on Iran and countering its regional proxies, particularly the Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, following a Saudi request for Israeli assistance against Houthi attacks.

Israel expressed its willingness to aid regional countries with air defense systems, similar to its support for the UAE during its conflict. The UAE's official news agency reported that Netanyahu and bin Zayed discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them. Notably, the UAE's statement did not deny a prior meeting before October 7th where bin Zayed allegedly warned Netanyahu of a Hamas attack.

Following the UAE's announcement, the Prime Minister's office confirmed the visit, stating it focused on strengthening relations and addressing regional challenges, with participation from the National Security Advisor, Mossad chief, Military Secretary, and Political Advisor. The AP news agency reported that Netanyahu asked bin Zayed to deny the pre-October 7th warning report, citing a firsthand source. The Prime Minister's office later issued a denial, calling the report 'fake news' and asserting the visit was solely about regional ties.

The Prime Minister's office also announced that the Shin Bet filed a complaint with the Chief Military Censor regarding Channel 12's reporting of the visit before the plane landed in Israel, claiming it endangered lives. The Shin Bet and Mossad were quoted in the statement criticizing Israeli media. Channel 12 responded that the report was political and timed dramatically, and that the plane had already landed in Israel when the story aired, posing no danger.